Electrical problems in your business can cost you money, both in production down time and in actual repair bills. Your building doesn't have to be older to have serious problems - some newer businesses have their share of electrical troubles. It all depends on the wiring in your building and the machinery you use it for.
Power Outages
Power outages, or blackouts, are times when there is no power at all running to your business. Outages can last minutes, hours, or even days. Sudden loss of power can affect computer databases, POS systems and other devices with memories, and can even physically damage these systems. The best way to insure against damage from power outages is to install an alternate energy source such as a backup generator. A generator will instantly turn on the second the power shuts off, avoiding the problems caused by an outage. An uninterruptible power supply, also uninterruptible power source, UPS or battery/flywheel backup, is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source, typically mains power, fails. A UPS differs from an auxiliary or emergency power system or standby generator in that it will provide near-instantaneous protection from input power interruptions, by supplying energy stored in batteries, supercapacitors, or flywheels. The on-battery runtime of most uninterruptible power sources is relatively short (only a few minutes) but sufficient to start a standby power source or properly shut down the protected equipment.
A UPS is typically used to protect hardware such as computers, data centers, telecommunication equipment or other electrical equipment where an unexpected power disruption could cause injuries, fatalities, serious business disruption or data loss. UPS units range in size from units designed to protect a single computer without a video monitor (around 200 volt-ampere rating) to large units powering entire data centers or buildings. The world's largest UPS, the 46-megawatt Battery Electric Storage System (BESS), in Fairbanks, Alaska, powers the entire city and nearby rural communities during outages.
Surges and Sags (Spikes and Dips)
These conditions take place when momentary overvoltage or undervoltage occurs in the electrical system. Typical causes for these problems are the utility company switching supply sources, lightning, energizing and deenergizing large loads within the facilities and major electrical faults.
Power conditioners, surge protection, lighting protection, proper circuitry and controls are some options to correct these conditions. Berwick Electric has qualified technicians and experience to perform an assessment of the electrical systems and make proper recommendations to minimize exposure of these elements on your electrical system.
Safety Problems
Electric problems aren't only a danger to your equipment; bad wiring and other troubles can be dangerous to your employees as well. Small problems that are easy to ignore can quickly become troubles that can seriously injure someone. These basic problems include:
- Damaged outlets or the wiring behind them
- Worn cords or plugs connected to kitchen cooking equipment
- Faulty wiring, either in walls or in commercial cooking equipment
- Improperly used or damaged extension cords
- Outlets or equipment that gives shocks when used or plugged in
You might think that electrical storms and power outages cause significant electrical problems, but most troubles can be traced back to the wiring and equipment in the business itself. So get your systems checked regularly and you’ll avoid the inconvenience of being without power.
