Outdated Electrical Systems in Commercial Properties: A Disaster Waiting to Happen

Commercial buildings live and breathe on electricity, and when that lifeline is past its prime, the risks escalate fast. Whether it’s powering lights, keeping HVAC systems running, or driving essential equipment, your entire operation hinges on having a safe, dependable electrical system. Yet across Surrey and Delta, too many commercial buildings are still running on aging, overloaded systems that quietly set the stage for safety hazards, equipment failures, and costly shutdowns.

These dangers aren’t just about a blown fuse. We’re talking fire risks, expensive repairs, regulatory violations, and the kind of downtime that makes customers disappear. With more than three decades on the job, Evanson Electric Ltd. has witnessed time and again how aging electrical systems can quietly eat into a company’s bottom line and bring day-to-day operations to a grinding halt. If your property hasn’t had a full electrical inspection or panel upgrade lately, you’re not just behind on maintenance; you might already be on borrowed time.

1. Increased Risk of Electrical Fires

One of the most serious threats lurking in outdated electrical systems is the increased risk of fire. As wiring ages, insulation can become brittle, cracked, or worn, creating the perfect conditions for short circuits and overheating. Old panels and overloaded breakers often can’t keep up, sometimes failing to shut off power during a fault, leaving dangerous currents free to spark a blaze. Evanson Electric provides comprehensive electrical inspections that identify these hazards and can safely upgrade panels, including 200 amp service upgrades, to modern, safer systems.

2. Equipment Failure and Frequent Downtime

Today’s commercial spaces rely heavily on sensitive electronic equipment requiring a stable and clean power supply. Outdated electrical circuits can cause voltage fluctuations, power surges, and trips in breakers, all of which can damage expensive equipment such as servers, refrigeration units, or industrial machines. Frequent electrical faults don’t just trip breakers, they grind workflows to a halt and bleed revenue with every minute of downtime. Evanson Electric’s expertise in commercial electrical services ensures proper wiring, panel upgrades, and circuit installations that optimize operational reliability.

3. Non-Compliance with Current Electrical Codes

Building codes and electrical standards evolve to enhance safety and efficiency. Commercial properties with electrical systems installed decades ago often fall short of current codes, risking failed inspections and costly violations. Components like older switchboards without Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) or Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs), now standard safety devices, are common non-compliant features. Staying compliant avoids fines and demonstrates a commitment to tenant and employee safety. Evanson Electric works with PowerCheck to ensure all upgrades and services, from inspections to fuse-panel upgrades, meet or exceed local regulatory requirements.

4. Energy Inefficiency Driving Up Costs

Old wiring and panels not only endanger but also waste energy. Voltage drops, unbalanced loads, and phantom currents from inefficient electrical setups increase commercial electricity bills unnecessarily. Improper lighting systems also contribute to excessive energy consumption. Evanson Electric delivers energy-efficient lighting solutions and panel upgrades that reduce your operational costs while enhancing lighting quality and safety, key considerations for commercial, strata, and light industrial properties alike.

5. Insufficient Capacity to Support Growth

As businesses expand operations or add modern equipment, electrical systems must scale accordingly. Outdated systems often lack sufficient circuits or panel space to safely accommodate increased loads, leading to dangerous makeshift fixes or excessive power strip use. This can cause frequent breaker trips or overloads, threatening electrical integrity and business continuity. Evanson Electric’s seasoned electricians specialize in 200-amp service upgrades and electrical panel upgrades tailored for commercial properties, ensuring your infrastructure can support current and future power demands confidently.

Who Should Be Most Concerned?

Owners and managers of older commercial buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and strata properties in Surrey, Delta, Richmond, and surrounding Lower Mainland areas should be proactive. If your building exhibits signs such as flickering lights, frequent breaker trips, hot outlets, or unexplained equipment failures, it’s time to call in experts.

Evanson Electric Ltd. brings 30 years of expertise to every project, providing licensed, bonded, and insured electricians for residential, commercial, strata, and light industrial work. Beyond inspections and panel upgrades, we provide tailored solutions such as EV charger installations, hot tub and heat pump wiring, and tenant improvements. Our commitment to safety and quality workmanship ensures your property remains safe, functional, and code-compliant.

For commercial real estate professionals seeking reliable electrical services in Surrey and Delta, trust Evanson Electric to diagnose and resolve the hidden dangers lurking in your building’s electrical system. Call us to schedule a full electrical inspection today to protect your investment and your occupants.