Month: February 2021

Commercial Electrical Sub Panel Installation: What Do You Need To Know?

February 22, 2021 | Cristina Dinulescu

Given the latest technological advancements, more and more businesses are forced to constantly upgrade or completely replace the electrical wiring. Oftentimes, the power needs specific to their equipment surpass the electrical network the business has. Whether you need an electrical sub panel installation or new wiring in both indoor and outdoor spaces, one thing commercial properties need to consider is respecting local and national safety codes and requirements.

Commercial spaces have an even greater responsibility to do everything by the book because the stakes are higher. As a business owner, you are not only responsible for your business, but for your staff as well. You need to ensure a safe workplace and avoid exposing your employees to any risks.

Because the power requirements of your business diversify and expand through the years, installing an electrical sub panel becomes a valid solution. The sub panel is actually one of the most efficient ways of ensuring that your entire electrical work is up and running, especially if your business is growing fast and you are constantly adding offices or rooms to your building. Plus, the electrical sub panel offers easy access for repairs and maintenance which is an important advantage.

Electrical Sub Panel Installation: A Job For The Pros

If you do decide in favor of adding an electrical sub panel, make sure you find licensed electricians with experience in commercial installations, because:

an experienced electrician will provide a proper, professional installation, reducing any potential risks. The more experience they have with the particular type of project you need, the better, so you can always ask about previous work.
a professional electrician will know the safety rules and regulations that apply to your particular commercial project and local codes depending on where your business operates.

The bottom line is that this installation can be quite complex, especially if your electrical system is complex in itself. Having a sub panel installed can very well interfere with the safety and efficiency of your electrical system. Therefore, the choice of commercial electricians is crucial. They should be able to properly assess your needs and recommend the right size sub panel.

Commercial Safety Requirements

Owning a business means adhering to existing electrical safety standards. These regulations come in different forms:

Local safety codes;
National safety codes;
Industry-related safety codes.

The NEC Code

The National Fire Protection Association is responsible for a series of guidelines that represent the National Electric Code (NEC). The NEC code presents a series of recommendations, as they are not laws per se, regarding the installation of electrical components, including electrical panels and sub panels. For instance, the location of the panel box is one of them.

Even though localities and states are the ones determining the rules, all codes agree on one aspect: the importance of precision. Whether it is an electrical sub panel installation or the wiring of a workshop, it is highly recommended that the electrical work be carried out in a highly precise manner, paying attention to each detail. Keep in mind that any mistake opens up significant electrical risks due to a malfunction of either appliances or systems.

OSHA Standards

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is well known for providing workplace safety recommendations, including electrical safety. Among their most important standards are:

Safety for Electricity Generation – this code provides special instructions for those who work in electrical power generation, distribution, and transmission.
Personal Protection Equipment – When working on dangerous electrical systems, it is required that adequate electrical protective equipment is worn.

Installing An Electrical Panel/Sub Panel

The NEC provides you with several requirements regarding the installation of an electrical panel and sub panel. To ensure safety, these recommendations need to be followed:

Mind the working space: When installing a sub panel, the electrician needs to make sure that it has a minimum of 36 inches of clearance in front of the panel, 78 inches above the floor, and a minimum of 30 inches of clearance across the face of the panel.
Mind the room: You might need to install a sub panel because you’re adding an expansion to your business and you need a separate panel to serve that side of the property. However, in order for the installation to be possible, it;’s essential that you choose a dry location that has easy access. Also, install a sub panel in an area that is not exposed to flammable materials or moisture like a bathroom or swimming pool. The same rule applies to the main panel as well.
Mind the height: According to NEC, the handle of the highest grip should not be higher than 6 feet.
Mind the light: At least one light needs to be present in the room where the sub panel is installed. This way you can see what you are doing in case repairs are necessary.

Installing a sub panel is not an easy task. It is not enough to have some electrical experience. Your electrician needs to be skillful, precise, and informed. They also need to respect all safety recommendations and be up to date with any changes in the national or local codes.

The right electrical upgrade can dramatically improve the value and appearance of any home or business. You’ll be amazed at what a difference the right electrical upgrade can make for your home or business. Make sure that when you select an electrical company to do the enhancement of your home and you have decided to take your enhancement to the level where you require an electrical upgrade that the technician at the company has a good working knowledge and the experience to properly guide you in this area.

When you decide to upgrade, our well-trained and certified electricians have all the experience and training needed to complete your electrical panel upgrade project from start to finish, with a minimum of fuss or disturbance. Please contact us right away at 310-800-2401

Electrical Sub Panel Sizes: What Does Your Business Need?

February 25, 2021 | Cristina Dinulescu

A sub panel is a small electrical panel that feeds off the main panel. It holds circuit breakers that are different from the main panel’s and it usually has 4 to 12 slots. Just like with the main panel, there are several electrical sub panel sizes, so if your business or commercial property needs this addition, then you have to know which size fits your needs best.

There are many similarities between a main panel and a sub panel, they both have the same two hot bars, same neutral bus bars and ground ones. However, the sub panel does not have the main shut off breaker, which can discontinue electricity throughout your entire system.

Another difference is that, since the sub panel is usually installed to service a certain area of your business, when talking about electrical sub panel sizes, it’s actually the load you need to pay attention to. Determining the safe electrical load for a sub panel requires several calculations. One can find more information on load calculations in Article 220 of the National Electrical Code.

Why Use Sub Panels?

There are two main reasons your electrician could recommend adding a sub panel to the electrical system of your business or commercial property. The first one is there’s no more room to install circuits on the main breaker panel. The second one is to have a control point near the area that the circuit serves.

In the first case, if the sub panel is not meant to serve a certain area, such as when you expand your business or add extra office space, then it’s generally installed next to the main panel. Since its sole purpose is to have space for more circuit breakers, it simply sits next to the main and connects through a feeder cable from the main panel.

If the sub panel’s purpose is to serve a dedicated area, then it will be installed as close to the area it serves as possible, and the feeder cable is run from the main panel to the sub panel. This is usually a 3-wire cable, with 3 insulated conductors, and a bare copper ground wire.

Once the sub panel is installed and connected, it’s ready to take individual circuit breakers for additional circuits. This is great if you’re expanding your office space, adding new equipment or manufacturing lines, anything really that would require a dedicated circuit. Beware though, that the sub panel doesn’t bring additional power, it just helps manage the power from the main panel more efficiently.

Electrical Sub Panel Sizes & Capacity

As mentioned above, when adding a sub panel to the electrical system of your business or commercial property, you need to take into account your power needs and whether or not the current system can support the load.

To that extent, there are 2 capacity issues to consider:

the sub panel’s amperage capacity;
the extra demand created by the sub panel.

Whether it’s serving a different area or it just houses extra breakers for additional circuits, the sub panel must have the right amount of amperage capacity. The electrical sub panel sizes to consider will depend on the application. For instance, smaller equipment, light power tools or lounge area entertainment systems will be adequately served by a small sub panel, ranging from 30 to 60 Amps.

On the other hand, heavy duty equipment, lifts, or entire space expansions will require a bigger sub panel, in the 60 to 100 Amps range. So, the installation can be configured from 30 amps – 240 volts to 100 amps – 240 volts.

Electrical Sub Panel Load Calculation

As said, there are several calculations required in order to determine the safe gross electrical load for a sub panel. If the sub panel is used to serve a certain area that’s away from the main panel, you’ll need to know the square footage of that area. You’ll also need to know the type of equipment or electrical devices you’ll be powering through the sub panel.

The advantage of load calculations is that not only will they help with the sizing for a sub panel, but also help with finding the correct amperage and the feeder cable size. Here are the three main calculations to take into account.

Load Calculations According to the NEC

When calculating the electrical sub panel sizes and loads, as well as breaker and feeder calculations, electricians must follow the local electrical code. Oftentimes, these local codes are in accordance with the National Electrical Code, or the NEC. This means that they follow the “long form” load calculations.

The form takes into account the electrical usage, or the wattage, of the equipment, devices or appliances served by your sub panel and sums it up. The total is then divided by 240 and the result is the minimum required amperage capacity.

Coverage Area Calculations

As mentioned before, the area that the sub panel is supposed to serve bears great importance in finding the right size. You can start by adding up the total area of the space to which the sub panel will supply power. This is particularly helpful if the additional area is office space, as it is a good way to determine the load of general lighting and circuits for receptacles. The square footage is calculated by multiplying the length of the space by the width. If there are multiple rooms, add up the square footage of all of them to find the serviceable area. Then, multiply that toale by 3 (watts).

Wattage Calculations

The equipment, devices or appliances powered by the sub panel have a great deal of impact on load calculations. The type of room also comes into play here. For instance, if you’re adding an office kitchen, then you need to account for small appliances, such as microwave, coffee maker, etc, as well as fastened in place appliances, such as a dishwasher or food disposer.

All of these require different wattage, and large equipment or a large number of devices will require specified wattage. Once you have the wattage figured out, multiply by 1 if you have less than 4 fixed devices, and by 0.75 if you have 4 or more. In the end, you might need to add 25% of the largest motor load to get the wattage total, in order to meet the extra load that these require when starting up.

When Is It Time For A Commercial Electrical Sub Panel Replacement?

February 18, 2021 | Cristina Dinulescu

Back in the day, the electrical needs of a home or business were far different from what they are today. Even though electricity was part of the day to day life, things were less complicated and businesses were not as dependent on technology as they are now. Because appliances and devices came in a smaller number, there was seldom a need for a commercial electrical sub panel.

Today, we seem to have lost track of the number of devices used to conduct day to day activities. Using technology is not a bad thing, but it must be done responsibly. When adding equipment, increasing the electrical needs of your business, it is essential that you consider the state of your electrical system. Remember that as a business owner you are bound to respect national and local electrical safety codes and requirements. You need to ensure your employees have a safe working environment.

So, when adding extra lighting, appliances or computers, call a commercial electrician first and have them check the state of your electrical system. They will be able to tell you if your system can handle the extra load or if you need a sub panel. If you already have one, a thorough inspection will determine if it requires an upgrade or if you need to replace your electrical sub panel altogether.

What Is A Commercial Electrical Sub Panel?

An electrical sub panel represents the waypoint between the branch circuits and the main service panel. Basically, it’s a mini service panel, separating electrical functions. Using one over the main panel offers your electrical system greater flexibility.

A sub panel is an excellent addition to any business, considering that your power needs may grow rapidly. A sub-panel offers you the possibility to add supplementary circuits whenever you need them, without putting your business on hold. Plus, sub panels make it easier, to some extent, to ensure safety. In the event of a sub panel fire, you can isolate the area by switching it off and thus preventing the spread, as well as further damage.

There are a few things to note when it come to a commercial sub panel installation:

When installing an electrical sub panel, you are not adding more power to your office. The sub panel is creating a more efficient and simple to manage electric service running from your main panel to areas of your office.
If there isn’t enough room for extra circuits within the main panel, an electric sub panel is the right solution, because it allows new circuit breakers to be installed in a different physical location.
A sub panel simplifies the electrical service in your office by better distributing power in different areas of your building.

Signs Of A Defective Commercial Sub Panel

Commercial electrical sub panels are what you’d call heavy duty, but they don’t last forever either. When the electrical system is put under a lot of pressure, the panel will start showing signs of deterioration or even malfunction. Some of these signs are noticeable even by the untrained eye, so here are a few things to pay attention to.

The sub panel has rusted components.

Rusted components are never a good sign, no matter where you find them. In the case of a commercial sub panel, rust is usually a sign that moisture has somehow managed to get inside of it. Even though there may be different reasons for rust to appear, it’s definitely a sign you want to pay attention to.

Water and electricity don’t go well together, therefore water inside the sub panel, where a high amount of electric current goes through, is worrisome. This may cause the sub panel to stop functioning properly and exposes your business to an increased fire risk.

Burn smell is coming from the subpanel.

In case you notice a distinct smell coming from the sub panel, more specifically a burning smell, you need to act fast. Burn or charring marks are also an indication that something is wrong.

Don’t wait to contact a commercial electrician and have the sub panel inspected and most likely replaced immediately. Your business and your staff are exposed to a high fire risk.

Lights are dimming or flickering.

If you’ve noticed that lately the lights have started to flicker or they’re dimming, then this is also not something to ignore. Call a professional electrician as this is usually a sign that power isn’t managed properly. Flickering lights are often an indication that a circuit is overloaded.

Replacing the electrical sub panel may be required in this situation. A new, up to code panel can be installed and wired to distribute the energy better and more efficiently.

Installing The Sub Panel

Replacing the electrical sub panel can turn out to be a costly endeavor, so thinking about ways to cut down costs is understandable. You might even think to install the sub panel on your own instead of hiring a team of professionals. However, the electrical sub panel installation is not a simple task and when it is not done properly, it can expose you to significant dangers.

Not only do you need a professional for this job, but you should also make sure to hire a commercial electrician that’s licensed and bonded. Installations done by a non-professional could expose your business to shocks, electrical hazards, or worse. In addition, failing to comply with national and local codes could have serious consequences.

If you need to replace your electrical sub panel or are in need of a team of professionals for maintenance, installation, or verification, you can count on us. Penna Electric will help with any electrical work, commercial or residential, you might require.

4 Reasons Why A Commercial Panel Upgrade Is Worth It

A Business Owners Guide To Choosing A Commercial Electrician

Finding a commercial electrician to upgrade your electrical system to meet your business’ growing needs is easy when you follow these steps.

hiring electricians

4 Reasons Why Investing In Commercial Electrical Panel Upgrades Is Good For Business

February 8th, 2021 | Cristina Dinulescu

Running a business is certainly no easy task. From finances to labor to marketing, all aspects are important in a business and operations are no exception. Business ops start first and foremost with facilities and electricity is a crucial part. Investing in the electrical system of your business, such as upgrading your commercial electrical panel, may seem expensive, but, in the long-term, it always pays off.

There are multiple requirements when it comes to the installation or upgrade of a commercial electrical panel, as well as any electrical equipment, lighting accessories or wiring systems contained within offices, as per Article 605 of the National Electrical Code. If you have a proactive attitude and make sure your electrical system is working just fine, you will make sure to comply with all requirements and avoid major problems, which can not only interrupt your daily activity, but can also cause financial loss.

Why Is The Commercial Electrical Panel Important?

The electrical panel has the same role in a commercial space as it does in a residential one. It is the point where power delivered from the utility company reaches your property. To make sure that electricity is efficiently used, the electrical panel must be inspected to ensure that it functions properly. However, the inspection could reveal that the electrical panel needs an upgrade. There are several signs that an upgrade is in fact necessary, some of which you might even notice yourself:

the circuit breakers are tripping – if you notice that the circuit breakers are tripping often, it means that the electric panel is no longer up to the task. Your business needs may have exceeded its power.

the commercial electrical panel is always hot – if the electric panel cannot handle your requirements, excess heat will build up and your wiring’s insulation will melt.
too many extension cords – having too many extension cords in your commercial space can overload the circuit, causing the breakers to trip.

obvious signs of deterioration – if you notice rust or corrosion on the exterior of your electric panel, those are sure signs it needs replacing.

Why Is An Electric Panel Upgrade Good For Business?

Upgrading the electrical panel may be a costly endeavor and you might even perceive it as a strain on your budget, but it is an investment worth making. And here are 4 reasons why upgrading the commercial electric panel is in fact good for business.

1. It Reduces The Risk Of Fire

According to the U.S. fire administration, in 2018, there were 1,318,500 fires in the United State. Electrical malfunctions caused 7.8 % of non-residential fires. As a business owner, you are obligated to ensure the safety of both your staff and your products. Reducing fire risk needs to be a top priority.

Upgrading an old electric panel is one of the measures you can take to ensure safety. Your staff may be using a large number of appliances and devices. These all operate on electricity, putting a strain on the electric panel. If it is old, the overheating risk is high.

By deciding to invest in an electrical panel upgrade, you could reduce the fire risk considerably and ensure a safe environment for your employees. Additionally, in case of a fire, your commercial space could be significantly affected. The financial losses could be far greater than the investment made in an electrical panel upgrade.

2. It Reduces Insurance Costs

When upgrading the commercial electrical panel, you are reducing risks. Your business is safer and the risk of something happening is significantly lower, and this may qualify you for a discount.

Insurance companies sometimes take into account behavior as well. When you make smart investments in your commercial property and run a safe environment, you are no longer perceived as a high risk. This could mean lower premiums and monthly payments.

3. It Makes Your Business Technology-Friendly

Technology is now a big part of our lives. There are plenty of appliances and devices created to make life simpler. Small or big, all businesses make use of technology. Whether it’s computers, printers, monitors, refrigerators, copiers, it’s clear that your commercial electrical panel needs to handle greater power requirements.

The average panel may no longer be equipped to handle your requirements. Plus, you may discover that having a business that runs on a smaller panel may not be up to code. This can cause many issues with both insurance companies and inspections.

Upgrading the electric panel would not only allow you to properly power your technology without damaging the electrical system, but it also lets you plan ahead, for future technology investments or expansion of your business.

4. It Improves Your Lighting System

Flickering or buzzing lights are not only signs that your electrical panel needs attention, but they are also annoying for your customers. It’s definitely something that requires immediate attention, whether your operating an office, a store, a warehouse or any commercial property.

Your lighting system relies heavily on your commercial electrical panel, and lighting is a crucial aspect when it comes to business operations. For offices, it’s essential for the well-being of your employees and your business productivity. For stores and commercial establishments, it is crucial to your presentation and customer perception. For warehouses, on the other hand, it plays an important role not just in productivity, but also safety.

Work With Qualified Electricians

It is important to contact a team of qualified commercial electricians to upgrade the panel or panels in your business. This is not something you want to do on your own or even hire electricians who don’t have commercial experience.

An important step is to plan your electrical panel upgrade. Make a list of all the devices and appliances your business is using and think about the changes you want to make. Make sure to include the lighting as well. Provide the electrician with these details, as these will help understand your business’ electrical load.

The electrician might decide to install a sub panel if the wiring is in good condition and the electric panel is providing sufficient power. If this is not the case then upgrading the panel may be the only available solution.

commercial electrical panel

Month: February 2021

Commercial Electrical Sub Panel Installation: What Do You Need To Know?

Electrical Sub Panel Installation: A Job For The Pros