Wired for Safety: Electrical Maintenance for Fire Prevention

Words: Patrick Cunningham

Could your company survive if an electrical failure sparked a fire at your business? Electrical malfunctions cause thousands of non-residential building fires annually.1 Proactive maintenance and action are essential to help safeguard your operations.

Hidden Electrical Hazards
When was the last time you hired a qualified electrician for an inspection of your business? Faulty electrical distribution systems can lead to heat buildup in loose connections or overloaded circuits, which can ignite surrounding materials. Old electrical equipment, aging wiring, or outdated panels may also increase the risk of ignition. This is why it’s important to run regular safety system tests, along with taking action to replace outdated equipment and systems.

Leverage Technology
The use of infrared thermography allows “hot spots,” or heat patterns invisible to the naked eye, to become identifiable in problem areas. In addition, smart sensors and real-time monitoring systems can track electrical performance and alert you to unusual changes or faults. With these tactics added to your routine maintenance checks, you can more easily identify risks.

Take Action to Prevent Electrical Fires
Mechanical contractors may help reduce electrical fires by considering these additional risk management strategies:

  • Train your team to recognize hazards such as flickering lights, frayed cords, or warm switches.

  • Use a checklist regularly at your workplace to identify hazards and resolve them promptly.

  • Schedule inspections with licensed electricians on a regular basis to identify and address potential issues.

  • Manage electrical loads to help prevent tripping breakers or overloading circuits.

  • Power down non-essential appliances when they are not in use (e.g., space heaters, coffee pots).

  • Have an action plan and run safety drills so your employees know how to react safely during an emergency.

  • Maintain clear access to electrical panels for quick access during emergencies.

  • Document maintenance activities and keep records of inspections and repairs to meet safety standards.
Connect with a Federated Insurance® marketing representative to learn more and access fire prevention resources.


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