Is your building struggling with electrical problems at the office? You are not alone. In fact, many older buildings throughout Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin, more generally, have outdated electrical systems. These older systems can have pretty big problems, including fires, power outages, and high power bills.
The good news is that identifying the telltale signs early can save you money and keep your building safe. Here are five obvious signals that your commercial building needs an electrical upgrade, as discussed in the following blog. We’ll also include a shortIs your building struggling with electrical problems at the office? You are not alone. In fact, many older buildings throughout Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin have outdated systems that simply can’t keep up with modern power demands. Delaying a necessary commercial electrical upgrade can lead to serious risks, including electrical fires, frequent power outages, and sky-high energy bills.
The good news is that identifying the telltale signs early can save you money and keep your business safe. Here are five obvious signals that your property is ready for a commercial electrical upgrade, along with a practical comparison chart and answers to frequently asked questions to help you plan your next steps. comparison chart, respond to the most frequently asked questions, and conclude with a straightforward conclusion.
Sign 1: Your Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping
Do certain parts of your building lose power again and again? If it is, then your breakers are tripping too frequently. A tripped breaker shuts off to prevent too much power from running through your system. And that’s O.K. now and then. But when it happens over and over, that’s a red flag.
This typically indicates that your electrical panel is not designed to handle the power load in your establishment. As businesses expand, they accumulate more equipment, computers, machines, H.V.A.C. units, and lights. All of it creates more demand on the electrical grid.
Breakers should never trip repeatedly; it’s an indication that a system is straining. A new electrical panel can solve this issue immediately.
Sign 2: Flickering or Dimming Lights
Do your lights dim when you run a machine? Do they dim when the HVAC switches on? This is a red flag. Flickering lights indicate that your electrical system is not providing a uniform level of power to the building.
There are a few reasons why this might have happened. You could have some loose or damaged wiring. Your panel may be too old. Or your system may simply not be big enough for all the gear you are operating.
It’s not just that flickering lights are irritating. And they can harm vulnerable assets like computers and servers. Loose or fraying wiring behind the walls can be a fire hazard, as well.
Sign 3: Your Building Still Uses Old Wiring
How old is your building? If it was built before 1985, then the chances are high that it still has outdated wiring. Old wiring styles, such as aluminum wire or knob-and-tube, just aren’t made for today’s electrical usage.
Today’s commercial buildings use far more power than did their counterparts 40 or 50 years ago. Antiquated wiring just won’t cut it. Even worse, it can be a severe fire hazard.
Signs of old wiring include:
- Discolored or warm wall outlets
- A burnt odor coming from outlets or the panel
- Outlets that don’t work or spark when you plug into them
- Two-prong outlets instead of three-prong outlets
If any of these warning signs are present, get a licensed electrician on the phone immediately.
Sign 4: Your Electric Bills Keep Going Up
Has your power bill been increasing, although your business has stayed the same? An ineffective electrical system can consume a significant amount of energy. Old wiring, an old panel, and poor connections cause power to be wasted before it even gets to your equipment.
More energy consumed means higher bills. Lots of business owners assume they are simply writing bigger checks because energy prices have been going up. But all too often, the root of the problem is an aging electrical system that’s struggling far more than it should.
With a modern electrical upgrade, you can reduce your energy consumption and monthly costs. New systems are also designed to be much more efficient than those built decades ago.
Sign 5: You Are Adding New Equipment or Expanding Your Space
Do you intend to install equipment in your building? Perhaps you are growing your office, establishing a new production line, or updating your HVAC system. All of these places place additional demand on your electrical system.
It is risky to overload an existing system that was not designed to handle additional load. It can lead to regular outages, damage to machinery , or even electrical fires.
Before you extend, speak to a commercial electrician. They can come and look at your existing system and tell you if it will need to be upgraded in order to safely take on the load.
Quick Comparison: Old vs. Upgraded Electrical System
| Feature | Old Electrical System | Upgraded Electrical System |
| Power Capacity | Limited built for less equipment | High built for modern demands |
| Energy Efficiency | Low wastes energy | High reduces energy bills |
| Safety | Higher risk of fires and faults | Built to current safety codes |
| Circuit Breakers | Trips often under normal use | Handles load without tripping |
| Wiring Type | Old aluminum or knob-and-tube | Modern copper wiring |
| Monthly Bills | Higher due to wasted energy | Lower with an efficient system |
| Code Compliance | May not meet current codes | Fully code-compliant |
Why Electrical Upgrades Matter for Milwaukee Businesses
Milwaukee and the surrounding Southeast WI area are home to a wide variety of commercial properties, including office buildings, warehouses, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and retail stores, among others. Each type of structure has unique electrical requirements. But all of them have one thing in common: they require a safe and dependable electrical system to function as designed.
Serving our business clients since 1929, Roman Electric has been serving businesses within this region since 1929. We have seen the result when electrical issues are not properly addressed, and we’ve helped hundreds of businesses steer clear of those problems by catching them before it’s too late.
An electrical upgrade isn’t just about repairing what’s broken. It is the act of preparing your business for the future. And today’s systems make sure to account for new technology, growth, and the safety of your team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How can I tell if my electrical panel is outdated?
If your panel is more than 25 to 30 years old, if it has fuses instead of circuit breakers, or if you have identified problematic brands (including Federal Pacific and Zinsco), the likelihood is that you will need a new one. You need a licensed electrician to come look at it.
Q2: Does it remain safe to hold onto an ancient electrical system?
It depends on the condition. Old systems, those overloaded or with damaged wiring, are a fire hazard. If you notice any of the five signs below, don’t delay ordering an inspection as soon as possible.
Q3: How much time will a commercial electrical upgrade require?
That depends on your building’s size and work scope. A panel upgrade can be completed in one to two days. A complete rewiring of a large building could take weeks. Before he begins, your electrician will provide a clear time frame.
Q4: Will an electrical upgrade affect my business?
A quality electrical contractor will work with your schedule so that disturbances are kept to a minimum. The work can often be performed in stages or at night, so no downtime is incurred.
Q5: What’s the cost of a commercial electrical upgrade?
The price varies based on the size of the project. Upgrading a simple panel is much cheaper than rewiring the entire building. The best way to do that is by getting a free quote from a licensed commercial electrician.
Q6: Are permits included in the cost of electrical upgrading?
Yes. Roman Electric handles the entire permitting procedure all paperwork and the communication with local inspectors throughout Milwaukee County and SE Wisconsin.
Conclusion
The electrical system of your commercial building is the lifeblood of your business. Once it begins to demonstrate worrying signs like tripping breakers, flickering lights, antiquated wiring, spiking bills, or new expansion demands, it’s time to react.
Disregarding these warning signs can result in expensive repairs, hazardous conditions, and even complete operational shutdowns. The good news is that you can tackle all of these issues in one fell swoop by investing in a professional commercial electrical upgrade from a quality provider like Roman Electric.
Roman Electric has supplied Wisconsin businesses with the power to succeed since 1929. Our team of licensed electricians is on hand to evaluate your system, present your options, and execute your commercial electrical upgrade correctly from start to finish.
If you suspect your property is due for a system overhaul, don’t delay. Contact Roman Electric today for a free project quote! We cover all of Southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Kenosha. Reach out via our online service portal at romanelectric.com or connect with our support team directly to schedule your inspection.
