When you’re busy running a business, the electrics in your building probably aren’t something you give much thought to. If the lights come on, the sockets work and everything is running as normal, it’s easy to assume everything is fine.
But just like anything else in a commercial property, electrical installations can become outdated over time. Your business might also have changed since the electrics were originally installed, with more equipment, technology and power needed day to day.
So, how do you know if your business premises could be ready for an electrical upgrade? Here are a few signs to look out for.
Your Electrics Are Getting Old
If your premises is in an older building and you’re not sure when the electrics were last upgraded, it’s worth getting them checked.
Older wiring doesn’t automatically mean you need a full rewire, but electrical installations can deteriorate over time. A professional inspection can give you a much better idea of the condition of your electrics and whether anything needs updating.
You’re Having Regular Electrical Problems
The occasional electrical fault can happen, but if problems keep cropping up, it might be time to investigate further.
Circuits regularly tripping, lights flickering, sockets not working properly or other recurring issues can all be signs that something isn’t quite right.
Sometimes the solution will be a simple repair. However, if problems are happening throughout the property, your electrical installation may need a more significant upgrade.
Your Business Needs More Power Than It Used To
Think about how much electrical equipment your business uses compared with five or ten years ago.
Computers, machinery, heating, air conditioning, additional lighting, kitchen equipment, security systems and EV chargers can all increase the demand placed on an electrical installation.
If you’re constantly running out of sockets, relying on extension leads or adding new equipment, it could be a good time to check whether your existing electrics are still suitable for the way your business operates.
You’re Refurbishing Your Premises
Planning an office refurbishment, shop fit-out, extension or other renovation?
It’s a great opportunity to look at your electrics at the same time.
Rather than working around old socket positions, lighting and circuits, you can design the electrical installation around how you actually want to use the space.
It can also save disruption further down the line if electrical work is completed while other building work is already taking place.
Your EICR Has Highlighted Issues
An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a useful way of understanding the condition of the electrical installation in your commercial premises.
It can identify damage, deterioration and other issues that may need attention.
Having issues highlighted on an EICR doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need a complete rewire. Often, individual problems can be put right. However, if there are lots of issues across an older installation, it may make more sense to consider a larger upgrade.
Your Electrical Installation Has Been Added to Over the Years
Commercial premises often change hands, layouts change and businesses expand.
As a result, electrical installations can sometimes end up being added to bit by bit over many years.
If your building has had several extensions, refurbishments or changes of use, it can be worth having the overall installation assessed rather than continuing to add to what’s already there.
You’re Thinking About the Future
Sometimes there doesn’t need to be a major electrical problem to consider an upgrade.
If you’re investing in your premises for the long term, a rewire can be an opportunity to make sure your electrical installation is ready for what comes next.
That could mean adding more sockets, improving lighting, installing new data points, preparing for EV charging or simply making sure you have enough capacity for future equipment.
Do You Actually Need a Full Commercial Rewire?
Not always!
A full rewire can sound like a big job, but it isn’t automatically the answer whenever there’s an electrical issue.
Depending on the condition of your installation, you may only need certain circuits, distribution boards or other parts of the system upgraded.
The best place to start is with a professional assessment. That way, you can understand exactly what condition your electrics are in and what work, if any, would be worthwhile.
Need Some Advice About Your Business Electrics?
If you’re not sure when your commercial premises was last rewired, you’ve noticed a few electrical problems or you’re planning changes to your building, C.G. Electrical Services can help.
Our team works with businesses across Wiltshire and the surrounding areas, carrying out everything from electrical inspections and fault finding to upgrades, partial rewires and full commercial rewires.
We’ll take a look at your existing installation, talk through what your business needs and recommend the most suitable option for your premises.
Thinking your business electrics might be due an upgrade? Get in touch with our team for a chat.
