As a business owner, you’re constantly juggling a long to-do list. From managing employees to serving customers, it’s tempting to find the quickest and cheapest solution for every problem. When an electrical issue arises, you might think a handyman can handle it. After all, they’re the jack-of-all-trades, right?
While a handyman can be a great resource for minor repairs, electrical work is a different beast entirely. Your business’s electrical system is complex and potentially dangerous. Hiring an unqualified person to work on it can lead to disastrous consequences, including safety hazards, legal trouble, and expensive electrical repairs.
At Kreistrom, we’ve seen the aftermath of electrical jobs gone wrong. We want to help you avoid these costly mistakes. This article will break down the five key reasons why your business needs a licensed electrician, not a handyman.
1. Ensuring Code Compliance and Legal Adherence
Electrical codes and regulations exist for a crucial reason: to ensure safety. These codes are a complex set of standards that dictate how electrical systems must be installed and maintained. In Canada, the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) is the standard, with each province having its own specific amendments.
- A licensed electrician has undergone extensive training and testing to understand and apply these codes correctly. They stay up-to-date with the latest changes, ensuring that any work they do on your property is fully compliant.
- A handyman, on the other hand, likely doesn’t have this specialized knowledge. Even a well-intentioned handyman can unknowingly violate electrical codes, putting your business at risk.
What are the consequences of non-compliance?
- Failed Inspections: If your business undergoes an inspection and the electrical work is not up to code, you’ll be required to have it redone by a licensed professional, costing you both time and money.
- Fines and Penalties: Electrical code violations can result in significant fines from your local authorities.
- Business Interruption: In severe cases, you may be forced to close your business until the electrical issues are resolved, leading to lost revenue.
2. Prioritizing the Safety of Your Employees and Customers
There’s no room for compromise when it comes to the safety of your employees and customers. Faulty electrical work is a leading cause of workplace accidents, including:
- Electrical Shocks: Improperly wired outlets, switches, or equipment can lead to dangerous electrical shocks.
- Fires: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical failures are a leading cause of workplace fires. These fires can be devastating, causing extensive property damage, injuries, and even fatalities.
How does hiring a licensed electrician enhance safety?
- Proper Training: Licensed electricians have been trained to identify and mitigate electrical hazards. They understand the proper techniques for wiring, grounding, and circuit protection to prevent accidents.
- The Right Tools and Equipment: Professional electricians use specialized tools and equipment to perform their work safely and effectively. This includes everything from insulated tools to diagnostic equipment that can identify hidden problems.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your electrical system has been installed and maintained by a qualified professional gives you the peace of mind that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect everyone on your property.
3. Protecting Your Business from Liability
As a business owner, you have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment for your employees and customers. If someone is injured due to faulty electrical work on your property, you could be held liable.
- Insurance Coverage: Most business insurance policies have a clause that voids coverage for damages caused by unlicensed or unqualified work. This means that if an electrical fire occurs because of a handyman’s mistake, your insurance company may refuse to cover the damages, leaving you to foot the bill for repairs and any legal claims.
- Licensed and Insured Professionals: Licensed electricians are required to carry their own liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you in the event of an accident or property damage during the electrical work. If an electrician is injured on the job or damages your property, their insurance will cover the costs.
By hiring a licensed electrician, you are transferring a significant portion of the liability risk to a qualified and insured professional.
4. Guaranteeing the Quality and Longevity of Your Electrical System
When you hire a professional, you expect professional results. The difference in the quality of work between a licensed electrician and a handyman can be significant.
- Expertise and Experience: A licensed electrician has the knowledge and experience to do the job right the first time. They understand the nuances of electrical systems and can troubleshoot complex problems effectively.
- High-Quality Materials: Professional electricians use high-quality, industry-standard materials that are designed to last. A handyman may be tempted to cut corners by using cheaper, substandard materials, which can lead to premature failure and safety hazards.
- Long-Term Savings: While a handyman may offer a lower upfront cost, you could end up paying more in the long run. Poorly done electrical work will likely need to be repaired or redone, leading to additional expenses. A licensed electrician’s work is an investment in the long-term health and reliability of your electrical system.
At Kreistrom, we stand behind the quality of our work. We’re fully licensed and insured, giving you the confidence that your electrical system is in good hands.
5. Access to a Broader Range of Services and Expertise
A handyman’s electrical skills are typically limited to very basic tasks. A licensed electrician, on the other hand, can provide a comprehensive range of services, including:
- New Construction and Renovations: Whether you’re building a new commercial space or renovating an existing one, a licensed electrician is essential for designing and installing a safe and efficient electrical system.
- Electrical Panel Upgrades: As your business grows, your electrical demands may increase. A licensed electrician can upgrade your electrical panel to handle the additional load, preventing overloaded circuits and potential fire hazards.
- Specialized Installations: From commercial kitchen equipment to industrial machinery, a licensed electrician has the expertise to install and wire specialized equipment safely and correctly.
- Emergency Services: Electrical emergencies can happen at any time. At Kreistrom, we offer 24/7 emergency electrical services to get your business back up and running as quickly as possible.
Why does this matter for your business?
Having a go-to, trusted electrical partner means you have a resource you can rely on for all your electrical needs, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. This saves you the time and hassle of trying to find a qualified professional every time an electrical issue arises.
Get the Job Done to Code
While it may be tempting to save a few dollars by hiring a handyman for your electrical needs, the risks far outweigh the rewards. For the safety of your employees and customers, the protection of your business, and the quality of the work, a licensed electrician is always the right choice.
At Kreistrom, we are committed to providing our commercial clients with the highest quality electrical services. Our team of licensed and experienced electricians has the expertise to handle any electrical project, big or small.Don’t leave the safety and integrity of your business’s electrical system to chance. Contact Kreistrom today for a consultation or to learn more about our commercial electrical services.
