What Safety Standards Should Your Commercial Electrical Setup Meet?

All commercial electrical systems must meet the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), which sets the baseline for safe wiring, grounding, panel design, and circuit protection.

Your setup should include:

• Proper grounding and surge protection
• Clearly labeled panels and breakers
• Securely installed conduit or wiring

• GFCI/AFCI protection where required
• Safe working clearances and accessible shutoffs

We stay up to date with the latest standards and ensure all work passes inspection.

Premier Electrical Technician Inc.’s Commercial Electrical Services

Premier Electrical Technician Inc. provides full-service commercial electrical work for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re opening a new location, upgrading old wiring, or troubleshooting a power issue, we’re here to help.

We offer the following services:

• New electrical system installation
• Electrical panel upgrades and replacements
• Interior and exterior lighting installation
• Troubleshooting and electrical repairs

• Outlet, switch, and wiring upgrades
• Code corrections and safety inspections
• Energy-efficient lighting retrofits

Your business is in good hands when you rely on our team of licensed electricians.

How Do You Know if Your Commercial Building Needs an Electrical Upgrade?

If your building has been around for a while or you’ve changed how it’s used, your electrical system might struggle to keep up. Over the decades, power demands have significantly increased, and older systems weren’t designed to handle modern equipment, lighting, or technology.

Here are a few signs your commercial building may need an upgrade:

• Power surges or unexplained outages
• Frequent breaker trips or flickering lights
• Outlets or switches that feel warm to the touch

• Buzzing sounds from panels or fixtures
• You’ve added new machines, computers, or kitchen equipment
• Your panel is full or outdated (like using fuses instead of breakers)

Even if everything seems to be working fine, an older electrical system could be less energy-efficient, not up to code, or a potential safety risk.

How Often Should a Commercial Building Get an Electrical Inspection?

For safety and insurance reasons, it’s smart to have your commercial electrical system inspected every 1 to 3 years. If your building is older or has outdated wiring, it’s wise to schedule inspections more often to catch potential issues early. The same goes for if you’ve been experiencing power problems or equipment failures or if you’ve recently added new machinery, appliances, or systems. An inspection can ensure everything is up to code and ready to handle your needs.

How Often Should Commercial Emergency Lighting Be Tested?

Commercial emergency lighting should be inspected and tested regularly to make sure it will work properly when you need it most. Monthly inspections include quick visual checks to ensure everything looks in good condition, along with basic functional tests to confirm the lights turn on as they should.

Annual tests are a bit more thorough and check that the entire system can run for a specific amount of time during a simulated power outage. These steps help keep your building safe and compliant with safety regulations.

What Is the Purpose of a Load Calculation?

Load calculation is the process of figuring out how much electrical power your business actually uses or will use on a daily basis. It looks at all your lighting, equipment, machinery, HVAC systems, computers, and outlets to make sure your electrical panel and circuits can safely handle the demand.

You need a proper load calculation if you’re:

• Adding new equipment or expanding operations
• Planning a renovation or tenant fit-out
• Upgrading your service to three-phase or higher voltage

• Experiencing breaker trips or flickering lights
• Applying for permits or electrical inspections

A proper load calculation is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your electrical system.

Is a Permit Required for Electrical Work in a Business Property?

If you’re planning to install, replace, or upgrade any significant part of your electrical system, such as adding new wiring, upgrading your panel, or installing dedicated circuits, you’ll most likely need a permit. Smaller maintenance tasks might not require one, but it really depends on how extensive the work is.

Our team can take care of the entire permit process for you. We’ll handle all the paperwork and coordinate with local inspectors to ensure everything is safe, meets code requirements, and is officially approved.

Can We Handle Both High-Voltage and Low-Voltage Systems?

We can handle both high-voltage and low-voltage systems for your commercial building. High-voltage systems, like 120/208V or 347/600V three-phase power, are commonly used for lighting, outlets, HVAC systems, and machinery. On the other hand, low-voltage systems, which operate under 50V, are essential for telecommunications, internet networks, security systems, and control wiring.

Our team is experienced in working with both types of systems, ensuring everything is installed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with the latest standards.

Can a Commercial Electrician Install Backup Generators?

We can install and connect backup and standby generators for commercial properties, including automatic transfer switches and load management systems.

This is especially useful for:

• Restaurants or grocery stores
• Medical offices and clinics

• Warehouses and cold storage
• Offices that rely on uninterrupted power

We can assess your building’s needs and design a generator system that keeps your operations running during outages.

Can Commercial Electricians Help With Energy Efficiency?

Commercial electricians can help your business save on energy costs. We can identify areas where energy might be wasted by evaluating your current electrical setup and recommend smart upgrades like energy-efficient lighting, modern control systems, or improved wiring. These updates also ensure your equipment runs efficiently without sacrificing performance. Over time, these changes can lead to significant savings while making your business more environmentally friendly.