Electrical hazards might not always be obvious, but they can pose a real threat to workplaces across Australia—risking safety, productivity, and compliance. That’s why regular electrical inspection and testing aren’t just a good idea—they’re essential for keeping your business safe, cutting costs, and staying on top of safety standards.
Neglecting electrical maintenance isn’t just risky; it can lead to equipment failures, increased fire hazards, and potential non-compliance with workplace safety regulations.
Frequent Electrical Surges and Flickering Lights
Frequent overloading of electrical circuits and flickering lights aren’t just annoying—they’re red flags for deeper electrical problems that could seriously impact your business. Surges often occur due to faulty wiring, voltage fluctuations from the mains supply, or overloaded circuits. On the other hand, flickering lights usually mean loose connections or voltage fluctuations.
These electrical hiccups don’t just mess with your equipment—they also put your staff’s safety at risk. A surge can damage your computers, machinery, and other critical electrical equipment, potentially leading to expensive downtime or replacements.
Flickering lights aren’t just an eyesore—they could be a warning sign of potential fire hazards. Plus, leaving these issues unchecked can drive up your energy bills and add to operational costs.
Circuit Breakers Regularly Tripping
If your circuit breakers—or RCBOs—keep tripping, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a sign that something’s off. The issue might be an overloaded circuit (too many devices drawing power at once), faulty wiring, or even a fault to earth that’s being detected by the safety mechanism of an RCBO.
In many commercial settings across Australia, RCBOs are now standard because they combine both overcurrent protection and residual current protection in one device. This means they can trip for a range of reasons, including earth leakage faults that a standard circuit breaker might not catch.
Brushing these issues aside can backfire. Constantly tripping breakers or RCBOs don’t just mess with your workflow—they’re a serious safety risk. Overheating circuits or undetected faults can trigger electrical fires, while frequent interruptions can damage sensitive equipment and lead to expensive downtime.
Burning Smells or Discolouration Around Outlets
If you ever catch a whiff of something burning or notice strange discolouration around your outlets, don’t brush it off—it’s a big red flag. These signs usually point to overheating, faulty wiring, or overloaded circuits. A burning smell often comes from melting insulation or scorched wires, while discoloured outlets hint at overheating or even electrical arcing.
Ignoring these warning signs isn’t just risky—it’s downright dangerous. Overheating outlets can spark electrical fires, putting your workplace and staff at serious risk. Plus, letting the problem linger might end up damaging your equipment or creating hazardous conditions.
Outdated Wiring and Older Commercial Buildings
Running your business out of an older building? Sure, it might have a bit of vintage charm, but outdated wiring can be a serious hidden danger. The reality is that most older electrical systems just aren’t designed to keep up with today’s power demands, leading to bigger safety risks and mounting maintenance costs.
And it’s not just about inconvenience—outdated wiring can put people at risk of electrocution or even cause electrical fires. Plus, it can wreak havoc on your sensitive equipment and send your insurance premiums through the roof.
In fact, some insurers might even raise your rates or flat-out deny coverage if your wiring doesn’t meet current safety standards.
To make sure your building’s up to scratch and keep those risks at bay, it’s worth arranging a professional electrical inspection. Upgrading to modern, safer wiring not only keeps your business secure but also shows you take workplace safety seriously.
Unusual Noises from Electrical Panels or Equipment
Hearing strange noises from your electrical panels or equipment? Whether it’s buzzing, humming, or crackling, don’t just shrug it off—it’s likely a sign that something’s not right. These unsettling sounds often point to loose connections, faulty components, or even electrical arcing within circuits.
Letting these noises slide isn’t just a bad idea—it could spell trouble. Ignoring them can lead to equipment failures, safety risks, and, in the worst-case scenario, a dangerous electrical fire. Catching the problem early means fewer headaches down the line and helps keep your business running smoothly.
As soon as you notice anything unusual, contact a licensed electrician for a professional fault-finding and repair service. A licensed electrician can track down the issue and sort it out before it turns into a major problem.
Overheating Electrical Panels and Equipment
If your electrical panels and equipment are overheating, don’t ignore it—it’s a big warning sign that your business could be at risk. Usually, this kind of problem comes down to excessive electrical loads, faulty wiring, or poor ventilation around key components. Letting it slide isn’t worth it—overheating can seriously damage your equipment and even spark electrical fires.
Often, the root cause is outdated or improperly installed systems that just can’t keep up with modern power demands. On top of that, dust and dirt buildup inside panels can block airflow, causing temperatures to climb and damaging internal parts.
Keep an eye out for telltale signs like hot surfaces, burnt smells, or scorch marks around your panels. Your team might also notice equipment acting up or power outages. Brushing these problems aside isn’t just risky for your gear—it’s a real threat to workplace safety.
Licensed electricians can check your system’s capacity, upgrade where needed, and make sure there’s enough ventilation around critical components. A bit of prevention now will save you from costly repairs and help your business stay safe and running smoothly.
Protect Your Business, Safeguard Your Future
Keeping your workplace safe and your business running smoothly starts with regular electrical inspections. They’re not just about ticking boxes—they’re about protecting your assets, minimising downtime, and creating a safer environment for everyone.
At Kenner Electrics, we’ve got your back when it comes to Commercial Fault Finding & Repairs. Based in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, we proudly support local businesses with reliable electrical safety services to help keep your workplace protected. Get in touch with us today to make sure your workplace is safe, efficient, and always up to standard.
