4-Point Checklist for Critical Electrical Maintenance in Your Business

Posted by on Jun 22, 2014 in Blogs, Electrical Maintenance, Energy Savings | Comments Off on 4-Point Checklist for Critical Electrical Maintenance in Your Business

4-Point Checklist for Critical Electrical Maintenance in Your Business

Electrical down times cost your business money, through higher repair bills and loss of business if you have to close. The best way to prevent most electrical system problems in your business is by creating and following an electrical maintenance service schedule.

Find a service professional who will walk through your business with you and find all the systems and equipment that need maintenance on a regular basis. From basic lighting to intricate machinery, your business’s electrical equipment will have fewer problems if you anticipate them and take care of the problems before they arise. Follow this 4-poimt electrical maintenance checklist to make sure you don’t overlook anything important:

#1: Generator Maintenance

The danger of a power outage in Florida is high in any given week, and much more so during the six months of the year that make up hurricane season. Lightning, tropical storms, hurricanes, and even traffic accidents can cause your business to lose power, and without power you’ll probably have to close your doors. Whether you need lights and air conditioning in an office or refrigeration to keep thousands of dollars of expensive food safe in a restaurant, it’s crucial that you keep the power running, no matter what happens outside.

Maintaining your backup generator should have the biggest priority on your service list, and your contractor will determine what maintenance will be needed, the lifespan of your generator’s parts, and how often the unit should be serviced.

#2: Lightning Protection Maintenance

Florida receives more lightning strikes per square mile than any other state in the country. This not only poses a danger to the power grids, it is also a threat to your business building itself. A solid lightning protection system can ensure that any lightning strikes that hit your building are directed away and into a grounded portion of the property, reducing or eliminating the chances of property damage from the storm. Like any other equipment, lightning protection has to be properly maintained:

  • The physical parts of the system must be inspected on a regular basis, tightening fasteners and replacing worn parts, as needed.
  • Surge protectors should be checked and tested regularly to make sure they’ll function properly when called upon.

It may seem like an inert system, but lightning protection should be an important part of your electrical maintenance schedule.

#3: Lighting System Electrical Maintenance

Changing a light bulb can seem like a simple task, but if you lose your light at a crucial part in your work day, you can lose a substantial amount of money, or worse. The correct lighting levels can make your clients happier, and will create a more productive work place, so keeping your lighting at optimum levels is a key part in maximizing your profits.The best way to ensure this is happening is to schedule regular lighting system maintenance with a professional contractor.

An experienced electrical professional will know how to replace older incandescent bulbs with newer, energy efficient LED lights. He’ll check and replace bulbs, inside and out, on a regular schedule. Wiring can become a problem, especially in older businesses, and inspection and repair will be an important part of your electrical maintenance schedule. Stopping problems before they start is the most cost-effective way of doing business, and keeping your power on is the best way to keep your business safe and open, without incurring expensive repair costs.

#4: Equipment Maintenance

Every piece of equipment in your business has a recommended maintenance procedure, from checking and maintaining gaskets to lubricating moving parts. A commercial electrical professional contractor will inspect all the equipment on your property and determine an efficient and effective schedule of electrical equipment maintenance tasks. Your equipment represents a major investment, and even those minor pieces that are only used on an occasional basis can cost a lot of money to repair.

Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance plan not only ensures the best possible chance that the equipment won’t break down, it will keep your machines within their warranty guidelines, possibly lowering or eliminating any repair or replacement costs. Besides, well-maintained electrical equipment helps you to realize the industrial energy savings you want.