This article shares tips on preventing an electrical fire in your commercial property.
Electrical fires at work can severely threaten your employees if they are not well-trained to prevent them. Commercial buildings have an increased risk of electrical fires because they come with electrical wires (visible and hidden) behind walls. In particular, complex electrical cables, panels, and fixtures pose a real risk to fire safety. You and your employees must know how to recognize potential electrical hazards to ensure everyone’s safety. This article shares tips on preventing an electrical fire in your commercial property.
Ensure Not to Overload Outlets
It’s easy to plug all your devices into the same outlet. Still, you must ensure that electrical outlets are not blocked, which can trigger an electrical fire in your commercial property. A good rule of thumb is to plug one high-energy device into each outlet. Machines and appliances requiring immense power and energy can easily overload a circuit if too many plugged devices are used simultaneously.
Check Equipment Routinely
One of the primary causes of commercial fires is defective electrical equipment. Bad connections, loose wiring, and overloaded outlets can cause severe fires. It’s wise to provide all employees comprehend the significance of only using equipment that is in excellent working condition. Remember to assess electrical equipment and cords routinely. Be sure to dispose of any electrical equipment that no longer functions, such as broken or frayed electrical cords.
Unused Plugged Cords are a Fire Hazard
Avoid leaving a cord plugged in when not in use because it is a fire hazard. Even if an appliance has been shut off, there might still be risks of electric damage or shock to equipment if it is left plugged in. Make sure to instruct your employees to unplug all devices at the end of the workday to prevent an electrical fire in your commercial property. If possible, utilize a power strip with an ON/OFF switch so that the equipment can turn off simultaneously when not in use.
Schedule an Electrical Inspection
It’s crucial to inspect your electrical system routinely to ensure your building’s safety. If your business is located in an older building, Employ Judd Fire Protection to evaluate your wiring for potential corrosion or outdated wiring. If any wire is exposed or corroded, you should have it replaced immediately. If the wire coating is rotting away, it will worsen over time and increase your risk for fire damage.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480.