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Signs That Your Building’s Electric Needs Upgrading

As technology evolves and new energy sources become available, several benefits come from upgrading an outdated electrical system.
By
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November 5, 2021
Building's Electric - KEC

It's been a while since you've had your building's electrical system inspected, and now it's time to do so again.

It only takes one faulty wire for an electrical fire to start and this can lead to significant damage, loss of property, and potential loss of life.

Inspecting your electrical system can save your building and the inhabitants inside it.

This article will outline common signs that your building's electrical system is outdated and what to do about it.


The Signs of an Outdated Electrical System

There are telltale signs that the wiring in your building is aging, and if this is the case then you’ll need to replace parts of your electrical system.

1. Dimming Lights

The first sign that your electrical system might need upgrading is when you notice dimming lights.

This can happen for a number of different reasons, and it can be challenging to pinpoint the source of the problem.

One possible cause of dimming lights is a faulty connection in the electrical wiring. The wiring may have become dipped over time due to overloading or short circuits and will need to be upgraded to avoid this from happening again.

2. Old Circuit Breaker Panels

Old circuit breaker panels with outdated wiring will eventually cause problems. Circuit breakers switch out energy when there isn't enough to go around and are energy savers because they turn off specific circuits when they need to be turned off.

Some buildings have an upgradeable circuit breaker panel.

Circuit Breaker - KEC

There is a good chance that when the original electrician made the old circuit board, the voltage was different than it is today.

A modern circuit board can handle higher energy demands before it needs to cut out energy (or trip).

The likelihood of overloading depends on your building location.

In New York City, we need more energy for the countless lights, traffic, skyscrapers, and people, so it's not uncommon for the system to overload due to an old circuit breaker panel.

3. Faulty Outlets

If you haven't already noticed, it's always a good idea to make sure your outlets work correctly and that the energy is running through them efficiently.

You'll also want to inspect for any signs of wear and tear on the outlet.

Outlets - KEC

A licensed and experienced electrician will look for signs of any debris or dust build-up as well as an increased temperature.

These signs mean that it's likely that there's a problem with your electrical wiring.

Suppose you're noticing problems with power outlets but don't notice a change in energy usage.

In that case, it might mean that the energy is just being transferred to another part of the building where it is easier to access, which indicates something wrong with your current wiring system.

4. Increased Utility Bills

The energy that we use in our everyday lives contributes to climate change. Buildings are one of the most significant contributors to energy use and energy efficiency. The higher the demand for power, the higher the energy bills.

A typical electrical system works when power is transferred from different parts of the building depending on which energy sources are available and most accessible. Buildings with outdated wiring can't distribute power efficiently.

The energy output increases when the system needs to work harder to power the building; therefore, the bills also increase.

A great way to know if there's an issue with your electrical wiring is by paying attention to your energy usage. If you're noticing an increase in energy usage but aren't changing your energy-intensive habits, then there could be something wrong with your current wiring.

If you notice that your energy bills are increasing without reason, it is a good idea to consult Kleinknecht Electric Company about why your energy efficiency has plummeted.

It is often due to outdated wiring, and upgrading your building's electrical system will help you save energy and money.

5. Faulty and Damaged Wires or Cable

One of the signs of an outdated electrical system is faulty wiring or cables. Aside from noticing higher energy bills, you'll want to have an electrician look for another energy-efficiency issue going on inside of the building somewhere.

The cables or wires may not be carrying the electricity through the building properly, leaving the system inefficient, faulty, or even failing completely. In this case, it will require an energy-efficient upgrade or replacement.

Wires - KEC

Be on the lookout for flickering lights or outlets that don't work properly because these could be a result of outdated wiring.

Finally, older electrical cables are at risk of exposure due to dampness or destruction by a rodent infestation.

In these cases, then they might need replacing because they are causing a fire hazard.


What To Do if You Suspect Your Building Needs an Electrical Update

If you’d like to update your electrical system or you need to look for signs of aging, you first should get it inspected by a licensed electrician.

They will perform a professional inspection and inform you of problem areas, and areas that should be fixed in the near future.

Depending on your current system, you could upgrade your electrical to energy savings parts. Energy-saving upgrades can include energy-efficient light bulbs and energy "smart" switches that will automatically turn off the power when not in use.

The cost of an energy-efficient upgrade for your commercial building in New York City will depend on several factors but typically falls somewhere between $3,000 and $10,000 on top of labor costs.

The workers may experience issues with aging electrical wiring, so be sure to include room additional expenses in your budget.

A certified electrician from Kleinknecht Electric Company can inspect the quality of your wiring and recommend an energy-efficient upgrade if necessary.

If your building is not equipped for energy efficiency, then the KEC electrician might suggest upgrading major circuit breakers to handle modern appliances more efficiently as a first step in modernizing your building.


The Importance of Upgrading Your Building's Electrical System

New York City's energy efficiency is a big concern because energy use increases every year, and there is a significant impact on the environment as a result.

The city of New York has come up with energy-saving laws to help conserve energy and money. The NYC Department of Buildings will require some buildings to submit an Energy Efficiency Report (EER) every ten years.

The energy audit will help to identify areas where buildings can become more energy-efficient.

By 2030, New York City buildings will need to have their energy output reduced by 20%, so an electrical system upgrade can help you achieve this.


Reliable Electrical Upgrading and Maintenance With KEC

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If you've been in business for a while, it may be time to take a look at your electrical system. As technology evolves and new energy sources become available, several benefits come from upgrading an outdated electrical system.

Commercial buildings can also benefit by improving their energy efficiency with updated wiring systems or installing solar panels outside on rooftops, reducing monthly operating expenses like electricity costs.

Kleinknecht Electric Company has experience assessing electric systems and is ready to discuss options for updating yours today, so give us a call!


Kleinknecht Electric Company

19 West 44th Street Suite 500

New York, NY

10036

(212) 728-1800

https://www.kecny.com/

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