When do I need an electrical assessment or inspection for my business?

Electricity is something we use every day in a commercial setting, for all of our business systems to operate. The problem is we often forget how important it is to maintain our electrical systems.

This can be taken for granted as we are able to access and use it at any time, but a poorly maintained electrical system could eventually lead to disaster. This is why it is so important to hire a commercial electrician to perform an electrical assessment for your business. Different Australian states and territories may have different regulations, so it is best to contact your local commercial electrical association to find out what is required for your state. For example, if you live in Brisbane you should make sure you contact NECA in Queensland, or specifically a Commercial Electrician Brisbane instead of one that serves another state.

What is an electrical assessment?

An electrical assessment is an inspection carried out by a licensed electrician that aims to determine the condition of all electrical installations around a home or commercial building. The licensed electrician is able to recognise any potential hazards or electrical issues that may be present.

Upon identifying potential hazards, it’s important to attend to the problem and have it fixed immediately to prevent any further damage to your building.

During the assessment, the electrician will test certain appliances, outlets, circuits, and wiring. In order to ensure that the assessment covers all areas of the business, testing should be performed both inside and outside the building. Testing should also be performed on the switchboard to make sure it is functioning correctly. After all, components have been assessed, the electrician will record their findings in a report.

Why is an electrical assessment so important?

Safe Work Australia recorded 129 fatalities over a ten-year period from 2003 to 2013, all of which were related to individuals coming into contact with electricity. This confronting figure indicates how important electrical safety is in the workplace.

With consistent electrical assessments, it’s possible to significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards and keep your business safe. Make sure to contact a licensed commercial electrician if you require an electrical assessment for your business. Ensure that your electrician has all the relevant licenses that are correct and up to date.

When do I need to get an electrical assessment?

Energy Safe recommends that commercial properties should book an electrical inspection if the property is more than 25 years old. Older buildings are more prone to electrical issues due to the age of the wiring which can begin to erode or become loose over time.

It’s also recommended that an inspection should be carried out prior to selling a property or when buying a previously occupied property. The building's electrical setup may not have been assessed for some time before the sale, especially if the building has not been in use for some time. Always hire a licensed electrician to carry out an inspection to ensure that your building is safe for future owners or your own employees.

Energy Safe also recommends that an inspection be carried out if you are concerned about old wiring and equipment. If you suspect that something may be damaged or faulty, chances are that your suspicions are correct. Even if you may be unsure, an electrical assessment will rule out any potential risks that could occur if there are electrical faults in the building. All commercial buildings should be inspected once every five years to ensure that there are no electrical or fire hazards present in the building.

An electrical assessment should also be performed after installing any new electrical wiring or devices. Correct installation is vital for safety, so hiring a licensed, commercial electrician to perform an inspection will ensure that the installation is safe to use. Make sure that the electrical contractor provides a sign of safety certificate as proof. It is illegal to complete the work without providing a certificate and the electrician may lose their license for doing so.

Ultimately, an electrical assessment should be booked if the building is old, if you have concerns about faulty wiring or electrical installations in the building, or if you have had new electrical systems installed.

Make sure to contact a commercial electrician immediately if you begin to notice electrical issues. If you’re searching for an electrical contractor in Sydney or other states in Australia, Elec Comm is renowned for providing high-quality electrical assessments for commercial businesses.

With years of experience, our licensed electricians will provide quality customer service and reliable assessments to ensure your business is as safe as possible. Our electricians have relevant, up to date licenses so that you can be sure you’re in safe hands.