Common Electrical Faults in the Workplace

Electricity plays an integral role in keeping modern workplaces running and fully functional. However, the convenience electricity offers also come with possible electrical faults that can bring harm to employees and property damage.

Hence, employers and employees must be aware of the common electrical faults that can occur in the workplace and how to prevent them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most frequent electrical faults in workplaces.

While at it, we will also provide some tips on how to identify and mitigate them. So, if you’re an employer or employee or just looking to stay informed, keep reading to learn more.

Common Electrical Faults in the Workplace

While electrical faults in workplaces are often not as hazardous as industrial ones, it is necessary to be wary of them. Below are some of the most common electrical faults that occur in workplaces.

1. Overloaded circuits

Overloading of circuits is a common electrical fault that occurs in workplaces. It happens when numerous devices require a steady power supply, but there aren’t enough wall sockets to accommodate them all.

In cases like this, one would often have to result to making use of extension cords. While this is a great way to make up for the insufficient socket allocation, it is the fastest way to get overloaded circuits.

When this happens, there is the possibility of creating a fire hazard or burning the wiring. Something you can do to prevent this is to ensure that there are enough wall sockets available in the office.

Endeavor to strategically place wall sockets around the office. This can help to avoid the need for extension cords. If extension cords are necessary, try to get smart extension cords with overload protection and an integrated on/off switch.

Also, it’s best to distribute extension cords evenly and neatly to avoid them becoming trip hazards or getting splashed with water.

2. Electrical surges

Electrical surges are common electrical faults that can occur in workplaces. They are often caused by poor wiring in the building, damaged power lines, or lightning strikes.

Though electrical surges only last for a split second, they can cause significant damage to your electrical equipment if they occur frequently. The frequent surge also tends to eat away at the lifespan of your electrical equipment.

To solve this issue, it is essential to check the electrical connections that connect your pieces of equipment to the workplace grid. If you are currently connecting your poor-quality powerboards or devices to your outlet, you should disconnect them to prevent surges.

If you do that and the surges persist, we recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional electrician to resolve the issue.

All in all, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to electrical surges. So you should ensure that all electrical systems in the workplace are functioning properly and make sure to maintain them regularly to avoid electrical surges.

3. Tripping circuit breaker and blowing fuses

You may be noticing that the circuit breakers in your workplace constantly trip off. In addition to that, your fuses may also be blowing off more often than normal.

These issues occur when you overload circuits with too many appliances since they are all constrained to drawing power from the same source.

Fortunately, there are some precautions you can take when you notice that your circuit breakers or fuses get blown up too often. The best thing to do is to reduce the number of high-power-consuming appliances connected to the same source or use lower settings.

Another thing you can do is install additional circuits and outlets before reaching the critical level of overload. It is also advisable to have an electrician inspect the wiring and update any outdated circuit boxes.

That can help you ensure that your current fixtures and appliances are properly wired and not susceptible to electrical issues such as overheating or sparking.

Moreover, tripping is a sign that your office is protected from electrical hazards. However, if the problem persists, it is essential to call an electrician to check the wiring and figure out what causes the tripping and blowing of fuses.

4. Grounding issues

Grounding issues can be serious electrical faults that can cause harm to human beings, start fires, and damage electronics. Grounding, or earthing, refers to connecting your electrical system to the earth’s conductive surface to redirect excess current and prevent short circuits or electrical fires.

Lack of proper grounding can increase the risk of electrical accidents, including electrocution. Therefore, it is essential to have your grounding checked by a competent and experienced electrician who can identify any faults in your electrical system and fix them.

Improper grounding can be caused by faulty electrical wiring or outdated circuit boxes.

5. Electrical shock

Electrical shocks can be a dangerous and painful experience. They can occur when using an appliance or turning it on or off. Electrical shocks indicate that the appliance has an electrical problem or issues with the wiring.

If you experience electrical shocks, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent any injuries. First, try plugging in another device to see if the problem is reproducible. If it is, it’s time to call in an electrician to fix the issue before anyone gets hurt.

Older homes are particularly at risk of electrical problems due to outdated circuits. It’s important to have a qualified electrician inspect the wiring in your workplace and make any necessary updates to ensure the safety of everyone using the electrical system.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing any electrical issues in your workplace, it is important to seek the services of a professional electrician. CNA Electric is a reliable and reputable electrical services provider that can help you with all your workplace electrical needs. We offer a wide range of services, including installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.