Navigating Commercial Electrical Services: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

The total electricity consumed in the U.S. in 2022 is about 4 trillion kilowatt hours. A significant percentage of this can be attributed to commercial buildings. That’s a lot of electricity lighting up buildings, powering machinery, and more.

Most businesses wouldn’t be able to function without a reliable electric system. This is where an experienced team comes in. They help install, repair, and maintain electrical systems so your business runs smoothly.

But how do you find the best commercial electrical services for your business? Keep reading this comprehensive guide for answers.

Understand Your Business’s Electrical Needs

The first step is understanding what your property needs in terms of electricity. Different buildings, like offices, hospitals, and warehouses, have very different needs when it comes to power. When looking for the right contractor to handle your business’s electrical work, start by evaluating your systems and what they need to work properly.

This can make it easier to find the right contractor equipped to handle your specific needs. That said, here are a few things to think about:

Lighting

Offices rely heavily on LED panels to light workspaces, while warehouses might need high-bay ones that can handle dust and hard work areas. Hospitals often rely on backup power for important machines and emergency areas.

Power and Circuits

Warehouses use lots of heavy machines and systems that need strong power sources. Hospitals need special power setups for life-saving machines. Installations must also meet hospital-grade requirements.

Density and Power Loads

High rises have vertical density needs because electricity must traverse several floors. Demands grow with new technology and equipment upgrades. As such, the panels and cables need to be able to accommodate increased needs for power in the future.

A reputable electrician will make load calculations to meet projected demand. They can even assess other aspects of your system and help better understand what your business needs.

Reputation Matters: Check Reviews and Testimonials

One of the best ways to find a reputable electric service is to check their online reputation. How past customers describe their experience will tell you a lot about a commercial electrical service. Look for reviews and testimonials on the company website and social media pages.

Review websites like Google My Business, Yelp, Angie’s List, and BBB are also a great source of information. Look for reviews that are detailed, honest, and recent. Pay attention to both the good and bad, and how the contractor responds to complaints or issues.

Going through the reviews will give you a good idea of whether an electrician can deliver on their promises. Don’t be shy about asking the company for references and talking to them. Keep in mind that a good contractor will always be proud to share their success stories.

Verify Licensing and Certifications

Another important factor to consider is valid licensing. You want to work with a contractor that’s authorized to do electrical work in your state. A license also shows that the company has met the minimum requirements of training and testing to operate legally and safely.

You can verify the license with the local licensing board or agency. Ask the company to provide their license number and expiration date. Verify the details with the local licensing board or agency. Lack of a valid license is a huge red flag – it shows that the company may not have the proper training and qualifications to get the job done safely.

It’s also important to work with a company that has liability and workers’ compensation covers. Insurance coverage ensures that your business and staff are protected in case of an accident or damage. A legitimate contractor will gladly provide proof of insurance and licenses upon request.

Evaluate Safety Protocols

Safety is incredibly important when it comes to electrical work. You want to ensure that your contractor follows strict safety protocols and standards. This helps prevent any hazards or injuries.

Ask about safety measures when interviewing potential electrical services. The following are always a good sign:

  • Wearing appropriate PPE like gloves, goggles, helmets, boots, etc.
  • Following the relevant codes and regulations as outlined by organizations like OSHA and the National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • Obtaining the necessary permits and inspections for every project
  • Providing ongoing training for their staff

A reliable commercial electrician will prioritize safety in every aspect of their work. But don’t be afraid to inspect a company’s safety record or ask for documentation for added peace of mind.

Assess Their Expertise

You want to work with an experienced team that has worked on many similar projects. Years of experience mean that the team has developed the skills and knowledge to handle any challenges or difficulties that may arise. The electrician will likely have a portfolio of previous work that showcases their quality and style.

You can go a step further to assess expertise by asking the right questions during the initial interview. Some examples include;

  • How long have you been in business?
  • How many commercial electrical projects have you completed?
  • What types of commercial buildings have you worked on?
  • What are some of the most complex or challenging projects that you have done?
  • Do you have any references or testimonials from previous customers?
  • Do you have any samples or photos of your previous work?

An experienced contractor will take the time to explain their process and address any concerns you might have.

Need Commercial Electrical Services? Reach Out to Our Team Today!

Finding the right commercial electrical services requires careful consideration and due diligence. By following the above tips, you’ll be sure to find a qualified contractor who can meet your needs and deliver high-quality results, like M.T. Kelley.

Our team specializes in providing electrical services you can trust. This includes installations, emergency repairs, maintenance plans, upgrades, and more. We work to ensure optimal performance and an efficient electrical system.

This gives you peace of mind, ensuring that your business runs smoothly and uninterrupted. Want to learn more about our services? Schedule an appointment today to discuss your commercial electric needs and how we can help!

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