Businesses are often interested in electrical tips that help save on energy costs and improve safety for staff members and employees. Our team of Kansas City electricians has decades of experience serving businesses in the Kansas City metro area.  Whether

you own or manage a business office complex, retail store, restaurant, manufacturing plant, or other type of business, the commercial electrical tips offered below will help you save energy. The result? Lower utility costs and enhanced safety for everyone in your business.

Tips for Saving on Energy Costs

Here are some tips on saving energy costs for your business:

• Turn all appliances and equipment off when not in use. Many companies leave printers, copy machines, computers, and other equipment turned on during the evening hours or when the business is closed.  Avoid leaving equipment on “stand-by” mode: turn machines fully off.  Also, be sure to remove laptops, iPads, and other electronics from chargers when fully charged.

• Depending on the season, turn the thermostat up or down a degree or two.  You will be amazed at how much you can save by doing this one small thing, and the comfort level isn’t affected noticeably.

• Switch to LED or low energy compact fluorescent lights if you currently use halogen.  A commercial electrical professional can perform an analysis to help you make the best decision for your budget and lighting needs.

• Perhaps most important, monitor the electricity used in running your business.  You may be able to get the local electric company to perform an energy audit so you know where electricity is being wasted.  Also be sure your breaker box is capable of handling the load required to run your business.

Safety Tips to Prevent Electrical or Fire Hazards

As much you want to save on your energy costs, another major concern when it comes electrical is safety. Here are some safety tips:

• Show employees where the power source is and how to shut off in the event of an emergency.
• ŸFor restaurants, only use appliances and equipment that are approved for kitchen use by an independent testing laboratory.
• ŸNever overload electrical circuits and outlets should never be overloaded.
• ŸReplace immediately any electrical cords that show signs of damage, including frays or cuts.
• ŸWhen electrical equipment is damaged, call in a licensed, qualified electrician to make repairs or replace. Do not use damaged equipment.
• ŸIn the event of an electrical fire or equipment malfunction, switch off circuit immediately.
• ŸExtension cords should never be a permanent solution. If the cord feels warm to the touch, unplug it.  A warm cord indicates overload.
• ŸWhen unplugging appliances or equipment, always use the plug and not the cord to unplug.
• ŸProperly label all circuit breakers and fuses.
• ŸWhen you have issues with an electrical system, hire only electricians who are licensed professionals.

Electricity is a luxury no business wants to do without. It makes life easier and more efficient for everyone.  But electrical issues can also create hazardous situations that require the attention of a professional licensed electrician who is skilled and experienced in commercial applications.  Use common sense, consider the above tips, and consult with a professional when you have questions regarding electricity and potential safety or fire hazards.