When electrical issues arise in a commercial building, it can be tempting to cut corners with a quick fix or attempt a DIY solution to keep things moving. For business owners and property managers, the goal is often to minimize disruption.
However, commercial electrical systems are not designed for shortcuts, and minor problems can escalate quickly when addressed incorrectly. In Denver, many commercial buildings were constructed decades ago, long before today’s energy demands and current electrical code requirements. As businesses expand, add equipment, or update their space, older systems may struggle to keep up.
Unlike residential electrical work, commercial systems are more complex and heavily regulated. Working with a licensed commercial electrical contractor helps ensure problems are addressed correctly, safely, and in compliance with local and national codes. It also reduces the risk of downtime, failed inspections, and liability issues that can impact your business.
Recognizing the warning signs early allows you to address electrical problems before they disrupt daily operations or put people and property at risk.
8 Common Signs You Need a Commercial Electrical Contractor
Electrical problems in commercial buildings rarely appear without warning. In many cases, the system shows clear signs of stress long before a serious failure occurs. These indicators are often overlooked or temporarily patched, especially when day-to-day operations take priority.
Understanding what these signs mean and why they matter can help you determine when to engage a licensed commercial electrical contractor.
1. Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips
If circuit breakers trip regularly in a commercial building, it often indicates the electrical system is under greater load than it was designed to handle. This is common in older Denver buildings or growing businesses that have added equipment, lighting, or HVAC systems over time.
Resetting a breaker may temporarily restore power, but repeated trips can disrupt operations. This indicates overloaded circuits or insufficient panel capacity, which should be evaluated by a licensed commercial electrical contractor.
2. Flickering or Dimming Lights
Flickering or dimming lights in a commercial space often point to uneven power distribution, overloaded circuits, or loose electrical connections. These issues usually show up when high-demand systems, such as HVAC units, commercial kitchen equipment, or servers, cycle on and off. While the problem may seem minor, inconsistent power can disrupt daily operations and contribute to premature equipment failure if left unaddressed.
3. Burning Odors or Scorch Marks
Burning smells or visible scorch marks around outlets, panels, or electrical equipment indicate excessive heat within the system.
In commercial buildings, this is often caused by overloaded wiring, failing components, or loose connections operating under continuous demand. These warning signs should never be ignored, as they can point to conditions that increase the risk of electrical failure or fire.
4. Outdated Electrical Systems or Wiring
Many commercial buildings still rely on electrical systems installed decades ago that were not designed to meet modern energy demands.
Outdated panels, aluminum wiring, or two-prong outlets are more common in older properties and can increase the risk of overheating, code violations, or equipment limitations.
As businesses update their spaces or add new technology, these older systems can become a constraint rather than a support.
5. Reliance on Extension Cords or Power Strips
When extension cords or power strips are used as permanent solutions in a commercial space, it often means the electrical system is not meeting the building’s needs. This is common in older offices, retail spaces, and warehouses that lack sufficient outlets for modern equipment.
Ongoing reliance on temporary wiring increases the risk of overloaded circuits, tripping hazards, and code violations.
6. Buzzing Sounds or Warm Electrical Components
Buzzing noises from outlets, switches, or panels, as well as outlets or equipment that feel warm to the touch, often indicate loose connections or electrical components under strain.
In commercial environments where systems run continuously, these conditions can worsen quickly. While they may not disrupt operations immediately, they indicate inefficiencies and potential safety risks in the electrical system.
7. Adding New Equipment or Expanding Your Space
When a business adds new equipment, workstations, EV chargers, or expands its footprint, electrical demand increases.
In many commercial buildings, the existing panels and circuits were not designed to support growth. Power issues that appear shortly after an expansion often indicate that the electrical system is operating beyond its intended capacity.
8. Failed Inspections or Ongoing Code Compliance Issues
Commercial properties are subject to stricter electrical codes and inspection requirements than residential spaces. Repeated inspection issues, permit delays, or insurance concerns related to electrical work often point to underlying system deficiencies. These problems are prevalent in older buildings that have been modified over time without comprehensive electrical updates.
Why DIY Electrical Work Is Risky in Commercial Buildings
DIY electrical fixes may seem like a quick way to keep a business running, but commercial electrical systems are far more complex than residential ones.
Commercial properties must meet strict electrical code requirements and often require permits and inspections for even minor work. Unpermitted or improper repairs can create compliance issues that surface during inspections, tenant turnover, or insurance reviews.
Electrical work that does not meet code can also increase liability. In a commercial setting, failures can lead to safety hazards, business interruptions, or denied insurance claims. What begins as a temporary fix may later require costly corrections to return the system to compliance.
Addressing electrical issues properly helps protect the building, the people inside, and the business’s long-term operations.
Commercial Electrical Services from CT Electrical
Electrical issues in commercial buildings often start small, but they rarely resolve on their own. Warning signs such as power disruptions, outdated systems, or temporary fixes usually indicate underlying electrical issues. Addressing these concerns early helps reduce operational risk, support code compliance, and maintain a safe environment.
CT Electrical Services works with commercial property owners and businesses throughout the Denver, CO area to evaluate electrical systems, address capacity concerns, and resolve code-related issues.
Contact us today to schedule an electrical evaluation or discuss concerns related to your commercial property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial electricians handle systems with higher loads, complex infrastructure, and code requirements specific to business properties.
We offer same-day emergency services in Denver and the surrounding areas. Just give us a call.
Yes. All of our commercial electrical contractor staff are fully licensed, certified, and insured.
Offices, restaurants, warehouses, retail stores, medical facilities, and more.
Absolutely. We specialize in full-panel upgrades, rewiring, and code-compliance updates.
