Basic Electrical Maintenance Checks: What to do?

Regular electrical maintenance is crucial for ensuring your safety, preventing costly repairs, and maximising the lifespan of your electrical systems. Here are some basic checks you can perform by yourself:

1. Visual Inspection:

• Outlets and Switches: Inspect outlets and switches for discoloration, or signs of arcing (sparking). Test all outlets and switches to verify proper functionality.
• Electrical Panels: Examine electrical panels for evidence of overheating, or tripped circuit breakers.
• Appliances: Inspect appliance cords for damage, such as fraying. Check for signs of overheating or unusual noises during operation. Regularly clean appliance vents to prevent overheating and maintain efficiency.

2. Safety Device Testing:

• RCDs (Residual Current Device): RCD provide vital protection against electrical shock. RCDs are designed to disconnect the conducting wires (“trip”) quickly enough to potentially prevent serious injury to humans, and to prevent damage to electrical devices.
• Smoke Detectors: Test smoke detectors monthly by pressing the test button. Replace batteries promptly as needed to ensure continuous operation.

3. Circuit Breaker Management:

• Identify Frequently Tripped Breakers: Repeatedly tripped circuit breakers may indicate an overloaded circuit or a more serious electrical issue. Investigate the cause of frequent tripping and call a professional if you are unsure or the problem persists.
• Avoid Overloading Circuits: Refrain from plugging excessive numbers of appliances into a single outlet. Overloading circuits is a common cause of electrical problems and can damage your appliances.

4. Energy Efficiency Considerations:

• Unplug Electronics When Not in Use: Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when switched off (it’s called phantom load). Unplugging devices when not in use can reduce energy consumption and save you money on your electricity bill.
• Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting to minimise energy usage.
• Maintain HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) System Filters: Clean or replace air filters in HVAC systems regularly. Dirty filters can strain the system, reducing efficiency and increasing energy consumption.

Important Considerations:

• Prioritise Safety: Always disconnect power to the circuit or appliance before performing any maintenance.
• Recognise Limitations: These basic checks may not identify all potential electrical problems; if ever in doubt, call for a professional.
• Consult a Qualified Electrician: For any significant concerns or if you are uncomfortable performing these checks, consult a qualified electrician. Professional assessment is recommended for all electrical work – watch out for the  NICEIC accreditation.

By implementing proactive electrical maintenance procedures, businesses can minimise downtime due to electrical failures, optimise energy consumption, and ensure a safe operating environment for personnel.

Regular inspections enable early detection of potential issues, facilitating timely repairs and preventing costly disruptions to operations.

If ever in doubt, call our Electrical team at….

📞 0808 164 4570
✉ hello@lcmenvironmental.com
🌐 www.lcmenvironmental.com