Electrical Safety Tips for Offices & Commercial Buildings
Electrical hazards in offices and commercial buildings can lead to fires, equipment damage, and costly downtime. At American Electric Company, we help businesses in Lake County, McHenry County, Southern Wisconsin, and the North Shore—including Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Lake Forest, McHenry, Crystal Lake, and Lake Geneva—stay safe with expert electrical services. Here are key safety tips to protect your business.
1. Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections
Routine inspections help identify potential hazards before they become costly problems. A licensed commercial electrician can check for overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and outdated panels.
✔️ Schedule inspections annually
✔️ Ensure compliance with local safety codes
✔️ Identify worn-out or outdated wiring
2. Prevent Overloaded Circuits
Office buildings often have computers, printers, servers, and other high-powered devices plugged into the same outlets. Overloading circuits can cause power surges and fire risks.
✔️ Distribute equipment across multiple circuits
✔️ Use surge protectors for computers and sensitive devices
✔️ Upgrade electrical panels if your office needs more power
3. Test & Maintain Emergency Lighting & Exit Signs
Proper emergency lighting is essential for fire safety compliance and employee evacuation in case of power outages.
✔️ Check emergency lights monthly
✔️ Replace burnt-out bulbs and backup batteries
✔️ Ensure all exits are well-lit and properly marked
4. Avoid Using Damaged Cords & Outlets
Frayed or damaged power cords are a major fire hazard. Train employees to report any damaged cables or malfunctioning outlets immediately.
✔️ Replace damaged cords and avoid using extension cords long-term
✔️ Ensure outlets are not loose or sparking
✔️ Install tamper-resistant and GFCI outlets in required areas
5. Keep Electrical Panels Clear & Accessible
Electrical panels should never be blocked by furniture, storage boxes, or equipment. In an emergency, quick access to the panel is critical.
✔️ Keep at least 3 feet of clearance around electrical panels
✔️ Clearly label circuit breakers for fast troubleshooting
✔️ Train key staff on how to shut off power in an emergency
6. Train Employees on Electrical Safety
Many electrical accidents occur due to lack of awareness. Provide basic electrical safety training for employees, covering:
✔️ Safe use of power strips and surge protectors
✔️ How to identify electrical hazards
✔️ Reporting procedures for malfunctioning equipment
7. Invest in Professional Electrical Maintenance
Don’t wait for a problem to arise—preventative electrical maintenance can save your business time and money. Hiring a professional commercial electrician ensures your system is safe, compliant, and efficient.
✔️ Regular testing of circuits and wiring
✔️ Upgrading old panels to support modern electrical loads
✔️ Installing energy-efficient lighting to reduce utility costs
Need an Expert Commercial Electrician?
At American Electric Company, we provide expert electrical inspections, repairs, and installations for businesses in Lake County, McHenry County, and Southern Wisconsin, including Libertyville, Vernon Hills, and McHenry.
📞 Call us today at 847-252-1757 or Request a Free Quote Online to schedule a service!
Professional Electrical Services in Your Area
At American Electric Company, we specialize in electrical upgrades for homes in Lake County, McHenry County, the North Shore, and Southern Wisconsin, serving cities like:
Lake County, IL
Antioch, Bannockburn, Deer Park, Deerfield, Grayslake, Gurnee, Highland Park, Highwood, Kildeer, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Lindenhurst, Long Grove, Mundelein, North Barrington, Round Lake, Riverwoods, Volo.
McHenry County, IL
Bull Valley, Crystal Lake, Johnsburg, Lakewood, Prairie Grove, Port Barrington, Spring Grove, Woodstock.
North Shore, IL
Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Winnetka.
Southern Wisconsin
Burlington, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, Pleasant Prairie..
