Common Commercial Electrical Problems to Watch Out For
admin • October 22, 2018

Get in Touch With us Today!

meter-reading

Electrical issues are never something that you want to have happen to you, whether it’s at home or in a commercial setting. It’s bad enough when there’s some sort of problem that knocks out all the power to part of your home. When it happens at your business, though, it could cost you exponentially more in lost time and repairs. That’s why it’s important that you know the signs that your electrical system is experiencing some sort of issue, so that you can have it repaired as quickly as possible. The faster you have the problem repaired, the more money you’re going to save on repair costs.

Flickering Lights

One very common sign that there is some sort of problem with the electrical system is flickering lights. No, we’re not talking about that one fluorescent bulb in the break room. We’re talking about entire sections of the building that seem to have the same lighting problem. When that happens, it’s usually a sign that there’s a short circuit somewhere in the system. It may seem like just a mildly annoying issue, but short circuits can cause quite a lot of damage depending on where they’re located. Make sure that you call a professional electrician if you notice this problem.

Unusually High Electric Bills

Sometimes, an electrical problem like a short circuit can waste so much power that it actually causes your monthly bills to spike. If your utility bill goes up for no apparent reason, it might be because you’ve got a problem with your electrical system wasting a lot of power. You’re going to need a technician to check out your system in order to confirm that something is wrong with it, though.

Circuit Breaker Issues

The circuit breaker exists to protect your building from various electrical issues that can spark fires or cause other damage. The breaker itself is not immune to problems, though. If you ever have the circuit breaker trip, and then refuse to reset, then you might have a bigger issue that needs addressing than a simple power surge. You also should call for repairs if you notice that the same circuit keeps tripping shortly after being reset, as that can indicate some sort of problem in that specific circuit.

These are just a few of the many different electrical issues that can affect a commercial building. We don’t have the space to cover all of them here, though, so we’re going to end this post by reminding you that if anything arouses your suspicion about your electrical system you should have it checked out by a professional. Better to be overly cautious than to ignore a potentially serious problem.

Anderson Electric Corp. offers a full range of commercial electrical repair services. If you are looking for the best commercial electrician in Bloomfield, NJ , we can help you out. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professional technicians. We can make sure that your electrical system is as healthy as possible.

Anderson Electric electrician inspecting brittle knob-and-tube wiring on attic joists with ceramic k
By George Anderson October 13, 2025
No ground wire, aging insulation, and poor moisture protection make knob-and-tube a safety and reliability risk. Upgrade for better protection and peace of mind.
Wall-mounted white tankless water heater with pipes and other components, mounted on a beige wall.
By George Anderson September 29, 2025
Cut energy use with on-demand hot water, enjoy endless showers, save space with wall-mounted units, and boost safety with modern protections. Ask Triumph about tankless installation and rebates.
Anderson Electric electrician testing electrical panel with a multimeter, wires visible, indoor sett
By George Anderson August 15, 2025
What’s Included in a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection? Summer in New Jersey means rising temperatures — and rising electrical usage. Between air conditioners, fans, dehumidifiers, EV chargers, and outdoor appliances, your home’s electrical system will be working overtime. That’s why now is the perfect time for a comprehensive electrical safety inspection . At Anderson Electric, we help homeowners prepare for the heat by identifying potential risks, fixing hidden issues, and making sure their system is up to code before the busy season begins. Here’s what’s included — and why it matters. Why Get an Electrical Inspection Before Summer? Even if your lights seem fine and your panel isn’t tripping, your system could be under silent strain. Summer adds demand and environmental exposure (like humidity or storms) that can stress aging wires and overloaded circuits. Benefits of a seasonal inspection include: Preventing outages during peak usage Protecting your family from fire hazards Avoiding costly emergency repairs Ensuring your HVAC and appliances run efficiently 💡 Related: Is Your Electrical System Ready for Summer in NJ? → What We Check During a Summer Electrical Safety Inspection 1. Electrical Panel Evaluation We open your main service panel to: Check breaker condition and labeling Look for signs of overheating, rust, or loose wires Evaluate if your panel is properly sized for your summer load (especially important if you’ve added AC units or EV chargers) If your panel is outdated or underpowered, we’ll recommend options for a safe 200-amp panel upgrade . 🔌 Read: 5 Signs You Need an Electrical Panel Upgrade in NJ → 2. GFCI and Outdoor Outlet Testing GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are essential outdoors and near water — and they should be tested monthly. We’ll: Test GFCIs for fast, reliable shutoff Inspect weatherproof covers and boxes Look for corrosion or loose connections Faulty GFCIs are one of the most common summer hazards near pools and patios. 💡 See our blog: Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips for Summer → 3. HVAC and Cooling Circuit Review Your air conditioner is likely the biggest electrical draw during summer. We’ll inspect: HVAC circuit wiring Disconnect box Breaker capacity Voltage drops when the system powers on We also look for warning signs like dimming lights or buzzing sounds that could indicate overloaded circuits or failing connections. 4. Surge Protection Assessment We check whether your system has adequate protection from lightning or utility surges — which are common during NJ storms. If not, we may recommend a whole-home surge protector , which is installed directly at your panel to shield your entire system. âš¡ Learn more: Why Surge Protection Is Essential in NJ → 5. Grounding and Bonding Verification Proper grounding is key to protecting people and equipment during faults or surges. We verify: Ground rod connections Neutral and ground separation in subpanels Proper bonding of water/gas lines Missing or faulty grounding is a major safety issue — and often goes unnoticed until there’s a serious problem. 6. Smoke Detector and CO Alarm Checks We test hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure: Power supply is stable Batteries are functional Units are still within their service life For families spending more time indoors with windows closed and AC running, reliable CO detection is essential. Where We Offer Inspections in New Jersey Anderson Electric proudly serves: Montclair West Orange Livingston Caldwell Verona Bloomfield And surrounding areas Our licensed electricians know local codes, township regulations, and the unique needs of NJ homes. FAQs: Summer Electrical Inspections in NJ How long does an electrical safety inspection take? Most inspections take 60–90 minutes, depending on the size of your home and system complexity. Do I need one every year? We recommend seasonal inspections — especially before summer and winter, when electrical demand peaks. Is an inspection required by law? Not typically, but if you're selling your home or making upgrades (like a new HVAC system), a current inspection may be required for permitting. What if something fails the inspection? We'll provide a clear report with recommendations. You’re not obligated to make upgrades, but we can complete repairs as needed — often the same day. Will this inspection help with insurance? Yes. Many insurers appreciate proof of proactive maintenance and may lower premiums for updated panels or smoke detectors. Keep Cool and Safe This Summer Your family’s comfort and safety shouldn’t be left to chance. Get ahead of potential issues and enjoy a stress-free season with a professional summer electrical inspection from Anderson Electric. 👉 Book Your Electrical Safety Inspection Today →
Anderson Electric electrician inspecting a generator next to an air conditioning unit outdoors.
By George Anderson August 8, 2025
Summer storms in New Jersey can knock out your power fast. Learn why now is the right time to install a backup generator with help from Anderson Electric.
Outdoor electrical outlet outside of New Jersey home.
By George Anderson July 14, 2025
Planning outdoor fun this summer in NJ? Learn how to safely use outdoor outlets, lighting, and appliances with expert tips from Anderson Electric.
A man is using a multimeter to test an electrical box in a residential home in New Jersey.
By George Anderson July 7, 2025
Protect your New Jersey home from lightning strikes and power surges with a whole-home surge protector. Learn the benefits and how installation works.
Show More