8 Warning Signs Your Commercial Property Needs An Electrical Upgrade

Imagine working in the busiest hour of your shop in Perth, with orders piling up, machines working, and staff moving efficiently. Then, without warning, everything goes dark, turning a smooth workflow into chaos. Blackouts like these aren’t uncommon, but they can cost you hours of productivity that may leave your customers frustrated and your reputation on the line. What many business owners don’t realise is that recurring electrical disruptions are the first signs that a system is struggling to keep up. This is because commercial wiring and panels deteriorate or become obsolete due to the increasing demand for modern energy. That’s why only a skilled electrician in Perth can help you deal with these warning signs. Electrical Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore When it comes to your commercial property, minor electrical issues often indicate early signs of more significant and costly problems ahead. Addressing them promptly with the help of a qualified Perth electrician helps prevent safety hazards and unexpected downtime. That said, here are eight warning signs that electricians recommend paying attention to: Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips Circuit breakers function by protecting your electrical systems against overloads. If these breakers keep tripping, it could be a sign that the wiring is insufficient to handle modern equipment or that the panels are undersized. As such, addressing this problem may involve upgrading the circuit breaker installation, which is why hiring a local electrician is recommended. Flickering or Dimming Lights If your team mentions anything odd about the lighting, don’t ignore it. Flickering or dimming lights are a standard indicator of fluctuating voltage or overloaded circuits, which put your electrical system under stress. If left unchecked, this strain can overheat wiring, damage lighting fixtures, or even spark electrical fires. The safest solution to this problem is to have a qualified electrician inspect your system for any necessary repairs. Burning Smells and Discoloured Outlets If you ever catch a whiff of burning plastic or notice discolouration around sockets and wires, treat it as an urgent warning. This is because faulty outlets can cause short circuits, which are a common cause of electrical fires. For safety reasons, contact your trusted electrician in Perth to diagnose the source and replace damaged components to restore safety. Buzzing or Crackling Sounds Electrical systems are designed to operate quietly, which is why unusual sounds, such as buzzing or crackling, should not be disregarded. Ignoring them could lead to more significant issues, as these sounds can indicate loose wiring, overload, or malfunctioning components. An inspection may reveal the need for wiring replacement or an electrical upgrade to handle modern demands. Obsolete Switch Boards If your commercial property operates with a switchboard that’s more than 20 years old, chances are, it doesn’t meet the current safety standards. For cases like these, getting an electrical switchboard upgrade is the most feasible option to improve safety and boost operational and equipment efficiency. High Energy Bills According to Energy Consumer Australia, businesses that consume 20,000 kWh per annum experienced an 8% increase in annual electricity bills. This highlights the increasing demand for energy efficiency, despite inflationary increases in consumption costs each year. However, unreasonably high energy bills could indicate system inefficiency. That’s why even simple upgrades, such as energy-efficient lighting or ceiling fan installation, could help restore stability. Frequent Equipment Malfunctions If electrical equipment and machinery fail without any apparent reason, this could be a sign of inconsistent voltage or unstable power delivery. To counter this, you can stabilise your system with the help of a skilled Perth electrician. Through their expertise, you can rest assured that your assets are protected and your business runs smoothly. Outdated Electrical Layout Expanding your workspace may be your priority as your business grows. In the process, you may have added new lighting fixtures or upgraded the air conditioning or HVAC system. However, the electrical system may not have been upgraded accordingly. As a result, this could draw more load, which causes safety issues. By connecting with a Perth electrician, you can upgrade your system to meet your current and future business needs safely. Get Reliable Electrical Upgrades with SolArk Electrical High energy consumption bills, flickering lights, and frequent breaker trips are common early signs of electrical distress. Most of the time, these indicators don’t cause significant inconveniences. If left unattended, it could lead to safety issues and potential property damage, such as electrical fires. That’s why seeking professional help is advisable. Fortunately, reliable electrical services like ours exist. SolArk Electrical is a team of professional electricians in Perth, offering end-to-end commercial electrical services throughout the city. With more than 10 years of experience, our team delivers high-quality, reliable solutions to businesses of all sizes. For more information, check out our services today! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are answers to frequently asked questions to help you better understand the essentials of electrical upgrades and maintenance: What is basic electrical maintenance? Conducting basic electrical maintenance involves regularly inspecting, testing, and servicing electrical components to ensure optimal efficiency. This proactive approach helps determine minor issues before they turn into major electrical failures. What is involved in an electrical service upgrade? An electrical service upgrade typically includes replacing outdated wiring, panels, and circuit breakers to meet modern energy demands and safety. It ensures your property can handle increased power loads while reducing the risk of overloads and outages during peak operations. Do I need a permit to upgrade my electrical panel? Yes, most areas require a permit for an electrical panel or switchboard upgrade because it’s a significant change to your system. A licensed electrician can manage the permits and complete the installation safely.