Why Businesses Must Get Electrical Right

When planning for a business or commercial enterprise, it may not occur to you to pay special attention to electricity, but failing to put the proper measures in place can cause you and your workers harm and even put a serious dent in your profits. Here are some reasons why businesses must make sure their electrical projects are carried out with the utmost care:

1. Hiring the wrong type of electricians can be expensive. Did you know that there are different types of electricians for different types of electrical projects? Although many people are used to residential electricians who work on residential properties, these same electricians, though licensed, do not have the right equipment or knowledge to handle the more complicated demands of commercial or industrial projects. A commercial electrician can handle the complex wiring and other electrical requirement of buildings like schools, office buildings, restaurants, factories, etc. They can also perform repairs on commercial equipment, install generators, and wire breaker panels. Hiring the wrong type of electrician for your project will lead to costly repairs and could even expose your business to hazardous conditions, fires, and lawsuits.
2. Lighting can affect your workers’ moods and productivity. Poor lighting in office settings and commercial properties not only causes eyes strain, headaches, fatigue, added stress, and lack of concentration, it can also interfere with the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to poor sleep and other ill-health effects. A study by conducted by Staples UK and highlighted by Forbes states that “40% of office workers are struggling to work in poor lighting every day.” The study further reveals that “80% of office workers said that having good lighting in their workspace is important to them, and two-in-five (40%) are having to deal with uncomfortable lighting every day.” Since the effects of lighting are no different across the globe, we can safely assume that good lighting is important to workers throughout the world. In fact, another study conducted by the American Society of Interior Designers revealed that as many as 25 percent of its employees attributed circadian lighting at the organization’s new office space for their enhanced sleep quality. 
3. Poor lighting can hamper your business. Poor lighting doesn’t just affect your workers and their productivity, it’s also harmful for your overall business. For many businesses, the lighting sets the mood for customers. Restaurants, for example, need to get lighting right to create the right mood and complement their overall aesthetic. Other businesses need to make sure they have the right outdoor lighting to deter criminals and keep their businesses safe after closing. 
4. Poor or faulty electrical exposes workers to safety hazards. The workplace is often the least place that people expect to experience a safety hazard caused by faulty electrical, but each year many workers suffer from burns, electric shock, or electrocution, or are victims of explosions and fires. Businesses that neglect to hire the right electrical professionals expose themselves to unnecessary risk. It’s also important to make sure that any electrical equipment you use in your business is properly maintained and certified. 
5. Not responding to changing electrical codes can put your business in jeopardy. Every three years, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) releases new guidelines on electrical codes. A commercial electrician can inspect your business’ electricals to make sure that you are not in violation of any specifications. Even if your business seems to be running smoothly without any interruptions to your electricity supply or any need to engage with an electrician, it’s always a good idea to get a regular consultation to make sure your building meets current electrical codes.