How Does Good Electrical Planning Prevent Bigger Problems?

An electrical project is not usually started with wiring. It starts with a structure, a mission, and a set of requirements that the electrical system will need to meet for years to come. A new commercial building could have power distribution, lighting, equipment connections, and emergency systems, while an industrial facility could involve the installation of machinery connections, motor controls, transformers, and special troubleshooting. When property owners are looking for electrical construction companies in Asheville, they really need to find a contractor who is able to see how it all needs to fit together.

At Morgan Master Electrician Company, we approach electrical construction as a complete system rather than a collection of separate installations. When a business searches for electrical construction or compares it by searching for electrical contracting companies in Asheville, experience with the specific type of property should be part of that decision. Our work spans commercial, industrial, multifamily, residential, generator, lighting, maintenance, and emergency electrical needs, allowing project requirements to be considered from both an installation and long-term service perspective.

What should an electrical contractor evaluate before construction begins?

The professional electrical contractor should start by finding out what the property needs to achieve electrically, then translate that into a suitable system design. This includes testing service capacity, distribution, panels, branch circuits, equipment loads, lighting, generators, controls, and the placement of electrical components prior to installation.

Construction experience comes in handy for this early planning! It is important to note that a panel can be of physical size to accommodate extra breakers, but this does not necessarily provide capacity for another major load. Likewise, when equipment is installed without regard to the electrical needs of the facility, problems are likely to occur when the facility expands or operating requirements change.

This also marks the beginning of project coordination. Electrical plans might have to be compatible with the architectural drawings, mechanical systems, equipment specifications, construction schedules, inspections, and other trades. If those details are taken care of before installation, the electrical system can move from design to commissioning.

How is electrical construction different from repairing an existing problem?

In the case of repair work, it is normally a response to a fault that has been identified. Electrical construction is more forward-looking since the contractor is building, growing, or significantly altering the electrical infrastructure that will support the property.

Service entrances, new panels, conduit, branch circuits, power distribution, lighting systems, dedicated equipment feeding, generators, controls, and wiring for a new building or tenant space are just some of the types of construction projects that may require a construction permit. An additional layer can be added by the connections to the machines, motor controls, transformers, switchgear, and industrial distribution.

The difference is important, as issues with construction may arise long after the building was built and the original construction team is gone. Future maintenance and modification may be easier with accessible equipment, well-organized circuits, adequate capacity, and proper installation.

How does electrical planning affect building efficiency?

Lighting, controls, equipment selection, and system design are some of the ways electrical construction can impact energy use. Lighting is a special consideration because the U.S. Department of Energy reports that more than 20% of the energy in a commercial building is used for electric lighting.

That renders lighting upgrades more than just a visual enhancement. An LED system, suitable controls, zoning, occupancy strategies, and intelligent fixture design can optimize lighting use in a building. The right solution will depend on the use of the property, its hours of operation, whether it already has equipment or not, and how its electrical wiring is laid out.

An electrical contractor should therefore seek to maximize efficiency, in addition to reliability and maintainability. A system that cuts down on unnecessary consumption, yet is not simple to service, may not address the range of needs of the property. A good construction responds to these functional needs.

Why do code compliance and safety belong in the planning stage?

Electrical safety is not a last-minute “check the box” requirement. It must affect the work right from the start, such as sizing of conductors, overcurrent protection, grounding and bonding, installation of the equipment, working clearances, and other applicable requirements.

During 2015-2019, the National Fire Protection Association estimated that 46,700 electrical failure or malfunction fires occurred in U.S. homes each year. Almost half (49%) of those fires involved electrical distribution, lighting, and power transfer equipment. The following figures are for residential fires and not commercial or industrial buildings, but do show how important good electrical installation and maintenance practices are.

Requirements may be more comprehensive for commercial/industrial projects depending on equipment and facility. Depending on the jurisdiction and scope of the project, permits, inspections, applicable electrical codes, fire safety provisions, and other matters must be taken into account.

What makes a local electrical contractor valuable on a larger project?

Technical ability is as important as local availability. A Contractor who has knowledge of the electrical needs of the property and works with other tradesmen, one who is familiar with the various requirements, and one who can provide the services necessary following installation can offer a more complete relationship with the project than being near the property.

When a company is considering electrical construction companies in Asheville, the choice should go beyond just being within their search radius. Look at the license, the experience they have with the particular project you’re working on, their project coordination, their safety measures, their system design, and their ability to help you keep your electrical infrastructure functional after that work is done.

Morgan Master Electrician Company offers commercial, industrial, multifamily, generator, lighting, maintenance, and emergency electrical services to the region. The goal of a property owner considering electrical construction in Asheville isn’t just to get the wiring installed. To design an electrical system that will serve the current needs of the building, meet reasonable future growth needs, and be confident in its maintenance.