Commercial Electricity Nightmares (And How to Avoid Them!)

Early in 2016, Springfield, Philadelphia resident ‎Pam R. Gilligan‎ was trapped inside her local Target’s elevator. A store-wide electrical failure caused the power to go out in this particular Target, causing Gilligan and other customers to get stuck in the pitch black darkness of the elevator. A sense of dread and claustrophobia overwhelmed the innocent customers. This loomed over them, consuming them much like the darkness that had already consumed the light.

They banged on the closed elevator door and yelled for help. But no help came, at least for some time. When they finally escaped their darkened cage, Gilligan was upset. She spoke to the store’s manager and was told, very curtly, that the reason the manager didn’t aid those stuck in the elevator sooner was that they had “bigger issues to deal with.” When the electricity in a commercial building fails, everyone suffers.

Commercial Electrician Nightmares for Everyone

Business owners all across the nation must keep one very important thing in mind: their stores are a safe haven for customers. People come to stores on the daily basis in order to buy what they need to live comfortably. When a customer goes into a store, she assumes the lights will be on, the air conditioning will be running, and everything will go along smoothly. But there are instances in which the electricity fails and a store transforms from a comfortable, convenient place into a dark, disorienting building.

From local shops to international superstores like Target, all commercial locations are at risk of electricity issues. These issues can be caused by everything from power outages to fires. It’s important for business owners everywhere to make sure their commercial space is wired correctly in order to keep customers and products safe.

How to Deal With Issues Before They Start

A commercial electrician deals with a very specific type of electric circuiting. “Commercial” spaces can be anything from warehouses to shopping malls. As long as some sort of product is moved or bought at this location, it can be defined as “commercial.”

Some of the issues that can come from electrical failure can be catastrophic to the company and the brand. Take Ms. Gilligan’s story, for example. The experience of being stuck in a dark elevator with seemingly no chance for escape was undoubtedly traumatic for the Springfield woman. There’s a good chance she won’t shop at that particular store anymore. There’s also a chance she’ll avoid elevators. No business owner wants to bring customers and clients strife and anguish. In order to avoid this, you need to make sure your commercial space’s electricity is up to code.

What Does it Mean to be Up to Code?

Being “up to code” basically refers to complying with standards set forth by federal agencies. If your commercial space isn’t up to code, you run many risks. Electricity is very important, especially in large commercial buildings. Running multiple air conditioning units, lighting, security, and in some cases freezers, requires a massive amount of energy. Business owners must have complete confidence in their location and know that when they flip on the switch, the lights will turn on and stay on for the entire workday.

Warehouses, for example, deal with thousands of products every day. Companies all over the nation rely on large warehouses to supply products. The employees who work in these warehouses should also feel comfortable and have proper lighting so they can work at the highest degree possible. When the electricity is compromised, many things can go wrong.

For starters, employees won’t be able to work if the conditions are unsafe and dangerous. Secondly, the mechanical attributes of the warehouse will be compromised so moving products will become impossible. When a commercial warehouse loses electricity, the negative outcome resonates throughout the entire community. In extreme cases, improper electrical wiring (which is to say “not up to code”) can result in short circuits that can cause fires. A fire in a commercial warehouse undoubtedly holds the number one spot atop the list of business owners’ nightmares.

Keep Your Commercial Space Safe

The title of “commercial space” also refers to stores and offices. The electrical wiring of these locations is different than residential electrical wiring. For this reason, it’s important to seek help from an experienced commercial electrician. This way, you can feel confident in knowing that your customers and employees will be safe in your commercial space.

What Can Go Wrong if the Electricity Fails in Your Commercial Space

1.) The lights go out

It’s common practice for businesses to have protocols in case the electricity goes out. Although failsafes offer peace of mind, you will still face negative outcomes. The lack of lights can cause customers to trip and get injured. This situation can also cause panic, which will make it difficult for employees to help customers. Worst of all, you’ll lose business.

Whether the lights were out for a few minutes or a few hours, the bottom line remains the same. People don’t feel comfortable shopping in a darkened store. If commercial electricity isn’t important to business owners, they will face negative consequences further down the road.

2.) No electricity means no security

If your store suffers through an electrical failure, odds are some people may see that as an opportunity to shoplift. In the sudden event of power failure, shoplifters will consider the situation around them. The electronic article surveillance system will be compromised, the CCTV cameras will not be functional and the darkened store will allow for the quick, unseen nab of a product here or there.

It’s up to your employees and security to keep an eye out for shoplifters. But if your store is large, there’s a very good chance many shoplifters will sneak out without getting caught. This situation is one that could’ve been avoided if the store’s electrical wiring was up to code.

3.) A short circuit can cause an electrical fire

Although rare, this can still happen. Faulty electrical wiring in a commercial space can easily create a short circuit. This can, in turn, create an electrical fire. Fires are the last thing you want in your commercial space. The lives of everyone inside the space will be at risk and the products will potentially get destroyed in the blaze. Your store may also suffer so much fire damage that it could suffer a structural collapse.

In the end, all of this damage and destruction was due to faulty wiring. The best way to avoid these serious outcomes is to seek an experienced commercial electrician who you can trust. This way, your commercial space will have the necessary electricity. You, your clients and employees will be confident, comfortable, and safe. Don’t hesitate, make sure your commercial space’s wiring is up to code!