Can Old Wiring Keep up With The Modern Demand of High-Tech
Equipment
While new commercial construction projects are seemingly always underway, the U.S. is still home to more than its fair share of older commercial buildings. That’s according to the most recent report from the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), a national survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). It notes that the median age of commercial buildings in the U.S. is 36 years old.
Separate data from private research companies shows the average commercial building in the U.S. is over 53 years old. In addition to not meeting modern building codes, the electrical codes and standards that help ensure the safe installation and use of electrical systems and equipment in these buildings are also outdated.
Old Wiring in Commercial Buildings: What Business Owners and Property Management Companies Should Know
In addition to outdated electrical codes and standards, many older commercial buildings, especially those that are 30 or more years old, have old and extremely old wiring that not only negatively impacts safety and efficiency but also opens the door to operational and financial disruptions.
In terms of safety, the insulation that covers old wiring can deteriorate over time. When this happens, it can leave electrical wires exposed, increasing the risk of short circuits and fires. Old, worn-out wiring can also cause arcing and sparking. For reference, arcing refers to a prolonged electrical discharge across a gap. Sparking, on the other hand, refers to a short, transient discharge of electricity.
Whether it’s arcing or sparking, both can ignite insulation, wood, paper, and other combustible materials, which is enough to cause a fire. While we are on the topic, it is worth noting that the electrical systems in most older commercial buildings don’t have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs). Modern-day electrical codes require commercial buildings to have both.
GFCIs and AFCIs are safety devices that can detect electrical faults and immediately shut off the power to a given circuit. Without these devices, the risk of fires and electrical shock can skyrocket.
From an operational and financial disruption standpoint, old wiring in commercial buildings is more likely to cause malfunctions. These malfunctions often result in lost productivity, missed deadlines, data loss, and a decline in customer satisfaction. They can also result in damage to expensive equipment, such as computers, servers, appliances, and machinery. All of this can lead to considerable downtime and financial loss.
The Challenges of Old Wiring and Modern High-Tech Equipment
Modern appliances, electronics, and machinery don’t do well with old wiring and outdated electrical systems. According to most licensed electricians, the old wiring in commercial buildings, especially electrical systems that comprise knob-and-tube wiring, cloth-insulated wiring, or aluminum wiring, is not very compatible with most modern-day high-tech equipment.
Old wiring in these outdated electrical systems either can’t meet or can’t keep up with the power demands of new high-tech devices. That inability to deliver adequate power to new high-tech devices can result in those devices performing unpredictably or malfunctioning. Other challenges associated with old, worn-out electrical wiring and new high-tech devices include the following:
- Improper or poor grounding – Along with outdated electrical codes and old, worn-out wiring, the electrical outlets in many older commercial buildings are not sufficiently grounded. Improper grounding increases the risk of power surges and electrical interference, both of which can damage modern high-tech electronics, appliances, and other equipment plugged into outlets.
- Inconsistent and unstable power delivery – Old, worn-out wiring in most commercial buildings can’t handle a steady flow of electricity. As a result, the electrical systems in these buildings are more susceptible to power surges and power sags, both of which can damage circuit boards and other critical components in modern high-tech devices.
- Inefficient energy usage – Like other electrical components, the wiring in commercial buildings becomes more resistant over time. Eventually, that resistance impedes the natural flow of electricity. This combination can damage expensive high-tech equipment and lead to higher energy costs.
- Insufficient power capacity and circuit overload – The electrical systems in most older commercial buildings are incapable of handling the power demands of modern-day computers, servers, and certain appliances. That’s especially true if several are drawing power at the same time. When too many of these devices get plugged into a single circuit, it can create a circuit overload. These overloads can trip circuit breakers, trigger power outages, and cause voltage sags. All of these can damage modern-day high-tech equipment.
- Maintenance and integration – Older wiring and electrical systems in commercial buildings are often disorganized and can present more maintenance challenges than new wiring and related electrical systems. That makes finding and fixing issues before an electrical failure occurs difficult. The same applies to installing new, modern high-tech equipment that must meet up-to-date electrical codes and safety requirements.
Why Upgrading the Electrical System in Your Commercial Building Is Worth the Investment
Upgrading a commercial electrical system, which includes installing new electrical wiring, is a significant undertaking, but it is well worth the investment. Thoughtfully planned and well-executed upgrades to an older commercial building’s electrical system can provide the following benefits:
- Better technology integration – Upgrading an older commercial building’s electrical system allows it to handle the “smart” technology, automation, and other advancements commonly associated with high-tech equipment used today.
- Energy efficiency – Modern electrical systems, which include new wiring and related components, help reduce energy consumption. That, in turn, leads to lower utility bills.
- Improved reliability – Upgraded electrical systems are not as susceptible to outages and breakdowns. That translates to reduced maintenance costs and fewer operational and financial disruptions.
- Increased power – Newly upgraded electrical wiring does a better job of supporting modern high-tech equipment, especially equipment with high power demands, such as modern HVAC systems, computers, and appliances, compared to old wiring.
- Safety and compliance – Newly upgraded electrical systems with new wiring are more likely to meet regulatory and safety requirements set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor Today
All in all, old wiring and outdated electrical systems are incompatible with much of today’s modern high-tech equipment, and many of them pose a significant fire hazard. Fortunately, most electricians are well-versed in rewiring and bringing these electrical systems up to code. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, consider speaking with a Sarasota Mister Sparky associate today.
