Common Electrical Code Violations: Tips for Building Owners

For building owners, staying informed about common electrical code violations is not just about compliance—it’s a crucial step in safeguarding your property and its occupants. Electrical violations can lead to serious safety risks and substantial financial penalties. This blog delves into the most frequently encountered electrical code issues in commercial properties and offers actionable tips to help you manage and prevent these common problems. By understanding what to look out for and implementing best practices, you can ensure your building remains safe, functional, and compliant.

Electrical Code Compliance: Why It Matters

Electrical code compliance is critical in ensuring the safety and functionality of electrical installations, particularly in commercial buildings where electrical requirements are complex and the stakes are high. Compliance involves adhering to the standards set by the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is regularly updated to reflect the latest in safety practices and technological advancements. This set of guidelines is designed to prevent hazards that could lead to electrical fires, failures, and accidents, thereby protecting both people and property.

In commercial properties, the implications of not following the NEC can range from minor issues, like improperly labeled circuits, to major risks, such as inadequate wiring that fails to support the building’s electrical load. These violations can lead to serious safety hazards, including increased risk of fire and electrocution. Moreover, non-compliance can often result in significant legal and financial consequences. Penalties may include fines, legal actions, and increased insurance premiums, not to mention the potential for severe operational disruptions that could impact business continuity and revenue.

Most Common Electrical Code Violations in Commercial Buildings

1. Inadequate Wiring and Protection: Using wiring that is not suitable for the current demand, or failing to protect wiring adequately, can lead to overheating and electrical fires.
2. Loose Connections and Overheating Equipment:  How tightly the wiring is fastened to equipment and breakers has a significant impact on the fire safety of the system, especially when using aluminum wiring.  Connections that are either too loose, or too tight in the case of aluminum wiring, cause arcing and severe heating of the cables and connectors.
3. Improper Grounding: A properly grounded electrical system helps stabilize system voltage levels and clear faults quickly and safely. Improper grounding can result in a serious risk of electric shock or fires.
4. Lack of GFCI Protection: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are required in areas where electricity is likely to come into contact with water (like kitchens and bathrooms). Not installing GFCI protection is a common violation that can lead to electrical shocks.
5. Faulty Electrical Panels: Old or improperly installed electrical panels can fail to handle the energy demands of modern commercial operations, leading to outages and fire hazards.
6. Lack of Working Space around Electrical Equipment: Storing items too close to electrical panels, switchgear, and other equipment can obstruct the required clearance and working space needed for safe operation and maintenance.
7. Inadequate Interrupting Ratings:  Utility company services have the potential to deliver tremendous amounts of energy in a fault condition.  Equipment must be rated and braced for the potential current flow in the event of a fault. 

Each of these violations not only poses a risk to safety but also affects the operational efficiency of a commercial property. Regular inspections and understanding the specific requirements of the NEC can help mitigate these risks.

Consequences of Ignoring Electrical Code Violations

Ignoring electrical code violations in commercial buildings can have serious repercussions, extending far beyond the immediate risks of fines and penalties. Here are some of the critical consequences that building owners need to be aware of:

1. Safety Hazards: The most direct consequence of code violations is the increased risk of safety hazards, such as electrical fires and electrocutions. These incidents can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities, making compliance a matter of life and death.  Arc flash and fault current risks are among the most devastating of electrical system failures.
2. Legal and Insurance Implications: Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and possible legal actions from local authorities. Additionally, insurance claims may be denied if it is found that the incident was due to negligence in adhering to electrical codes, leading to significant financial losses.
3. Operational Disruptions: Electrical problems can cause unexpected downtime, affecting business operations and resulting in lost revenue. For instance, a major electrical failure could shut down production lines, affect HVAC systems, or disrupt other critical business activities.
4. Reputation Damage: Safety incidents or operational failures due to electrical issues can harm a business’s reputation. A well-publicized incident can erode trust among customers and partners, potentially leading to long-term negative impacts on the business.
5. Increased Maintenance Costs: Ignoring minor violations can lead to larger problems over time, necessitating more extensive and expensive repairs. Proactive maintenance and compliance can significantly reduce these costs by addressing issues before they escalate.

Understanding these consequences underscores the importance of regular electrical inspections and immediate action on any identified violations. Ensuring compliance with electrical codes is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a critical investment in the safety and sustainability of a business.

How Building Owners Can Avoid Electrical Code Violations

Ensuring that your commercial property adheres to electrical codes not only boosts safety but also enhances operational efficiency. Here are several actionable tips that building owners can implement to maintain electrical compliance:

1. Regular Inspections and Audits: Schedule regular inspections with properly licensed electricians who specialize in commercial properties. These professionals can identify potential violations and recommend corrective actions before they turn into major issues.
2. Consult with Electrical Engineers: Collaborating with electrical engineers can provide an additional layer of expertise, particularly for complex projects or large commercial properties. These professionals can design and evaluate electrical systems to ensure they meet both current needs and regulatory standards, offering solutions that optimize safety and efficiency.
3. Have an Arc-Flash Study Completed for Your Property:  Arc flash studies provide valuable information about the hazards in an electrical system and how to mitigate those risks with respect to personnel protection and operational safety procedures.
4. Hire Qualified Electrical Contractors: Always work with licensed and experienced contractors for any installation, repair, or renovation work. Qualified professionals understand the intricacies of the NEC and will ensure that all work complies with the latest safety standards.
5. Update and Upgrade Electrical Systems: As building operations evolve and electrical demands increase, it’s crucial to ensure that your electrical systems are up to date. This might involve upgrading wiring, panels, and safety devices to handle increased loads and meet current safety standards.
6. Educate Your Team: Make sure that your facility managers and maintenance staff are knowledgeable about basic electrical safety and compliance. Regular training sessions can help staff recognize potential electrical hazards and understand the importance of code compliance.  This is where arc flash studies are crucial.  They identify and label all equipment with the required PPE (personal protection equipment) necessary to safely perform maintenance on the systems.
7. Implement a Compliance Checklist: Develop a comprehensive checklist based on the NEC and local codes that covers all aspects of your electrical system. Regularly review and update the checklist to ensure ongoing compliance.
8. Address Violations Promptly: If inspections reveal any code violations, address them immediately. Delaying corrective action can lead to the issues mentioned in the previous section, including safety risks and potential fines.

By following these tips, building owners can significantly reduce the risk of electrical code violations and create a safer environment for everyone using the property.

Bottom Line

Electrical code violations pose significant risks to commercial properties, impacting safety, legality, and operational integrity. As a building owner, it’s crucial to understand these violations and implement measures to prevent them.

At Schnackel Engineers, we provide expert guidance on electrical codes, arc flash studies and overall MEP system optimization to help ensure your property meets all safety standards. Contact us today to see how we can assist you in maintaining a compliant, efficient, and safe environment.