The electrical box, also known as the electrical panel or junction box, in a commercial property is often a bit different than that of a residential property. They both operate on the same principal, and both house the circuit breakers to quickly shut off power to a given part of the property, but there are also some key differences between them.
For example, a commercial electrical box may be much larger than a residential one. It may also be located in a seldom-accessed area, like the basement. Even more importantly, it may house much more power than a residential electrical box, which means it may also be more dangerous after installation. Read on for some commercial electrical box installation safety tips.
Electrical panels
Electrical panels are where the circuit breakers for a building’s electrical system are housed. While the front-facing area of these panels does not contain live parts exposed to whomever is operating it, just behind that front face is multiple junctions of live wires and other potentially dangerous components.
An electrical panel without a “dead” front face is not only against regulations, it’s extremely dangerous. Large electrical panels in commercial buildings should be locked, as they should only be accessed and operated by trained personnel.
Electrical panels should never be blocked, especially in a commercial environment. Open access to the electrical panel ensures that the power can be cut off at a moment’s notice should an emergency or electrical problem arise. Make sure there is enough clearance to fully open the panel doors.
Blocking electrical panels is a violation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, as well as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes. Circuit breakers in the electrical panel should be properly labeled and kept up to date should anything change in the regulations.
Electrical panels should not be located near dishwashing areas or other spaces where there may be a lot of water or other hazards. Keep this in mind when considering commercial electrical box installation safety for your commercial property.
More commercial electrical safety tips
There are some other electrical safety tips you should keep in mind as best practices surrounding electrical panels. For example, it’s a good idea to keep a record of tripped breakers. This includes what electrical items were being used at the time it was tripped, as well as the date and time at which it happened. This will help determine if there is a larger problem with your electrical panel.
Another good idea is to call licensed electrician any time you suspect there may be a problem. Even a small shock when touching appliances or discolored wall outlets can be a sign of a serious and potentially hazardous problem. The DIY approach can be great for many things, but electrical work isn’t one of them. It can be very dangerous to work with electrical systems, especially high-voltage commercial systems, if you don’t have the proper training, equipment and experience.
When you need professional electrical work, including electrical box installation, contact Box Electric Company today. We always make safety and service our top priorities.