Under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, any person conducting a business in a commercial or industrial property has an obligation to ensure the safety of employees, customers and any other person visiting the property. This means you need to be rigorous in maintaining the condition of your electrical wiring and respond immediately to any signs the building might need to be rewired. Here are the top 5 signs to look out for.

1. Flickering or dimming lights
   While some flickering or dimming of lights is normal in situations where motor driven devices are being turned on (which pulls more amps from the circuit), they can also be a sign of an over-loaded circuit, faulty wiring or a faulty circuit breaker. If the lights in your industrial or commercial property are regularly dimming or flickering, you should have your wiring checked by a licensed electrician as soon as possible.
2. Frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
   This is a significant sign that something is not right with your wiring, as it is an indication that your circuit is not handling the amount of electricity you need to run your business. It may very well be the case that your wiring is worn out and you need to rewire. If you are experiencing either of the above issues, your wiring needs urgent attention.
3. Buzzing, charred or dead power outlets or switches
   All of the above are signs of something seriously wrong with either the switch or outlet in question, or with your wiring as a whole. As soon as you notice these warning signs, you need to contact an electrician and have the problem diagnosed and fixed. Failure to attend to these signs as soon as you notice them can potentially lead to a very dangerous situation.
4. Electric shocks from power outlets or switches
   As above, if your outlets or switches are giving a shock when used, this is a sure sign things are not right with either the outlet or switch, or with your wiring. If you or any of your employees receive a shock from an outlet or switch, you must get an electrician to find out what’s going on as a matter of urgency.
5. Cracked, cut or broken insulation cable
   Insulation cable prevents your wiring from coming into contact with other conductors, protects it from the elements and inhibits electrical leakage. For this reason, it is essential that the cable is in good condition throughout your entire electrical circuitry. To prevent more serious electrical issues, ask your electrician to carry out an inspection of your wiring and replace any damaged cable. If the damage is extensive, you may need to rewire the building.

While there are a number of other signs that point to faulty wiring, the above are the most common indicators and should never be taken lightly. Always ensure that the electrician diagnosing and fixing the issue is licensed and has experience in the relevant commercial or industrial context.

Under the Workplace Health & Safety Regulations, all businesses must maintain a regular Test Tagging schedule, to avoid damage to people or property from electrical equipment or circuitry.
At Caslec, our highly experienced commercial and industrial electricians provide Test Tagging services to businesses throughout the Greater Sydney region. Call us today on 1300 659 273 to discuss or visit our Service Areas page to find an electrician near you.