Can I Troubleshoot Electrical Issues in My Commercial Building?

May 7, 2025

As a business owner or property manager, you know that electrical issues can disrupt operations, frustrate tenants, and even pose serious safety risks. But when you notice flickering lights, tripped breakers, or malfunctioning equipment in your commercial building, you might wonder: Can I troubleshoot these issues myself? Let’s break it down.

Understanding the Scope: What You Can Safely Check

While major electrical repairs should always be handled by a licensed commercial electrician like the team at K-CO Electric, there are a few basic checks you can perform before calling in the pros. Here’s what’s generally safe for business owners or managers to assess:

Check for overloaded circuits: Are too many devices plugged into a single outlet or power strip? Try unplugging some equipment and see if the problem resolves.

Inspect equipment connections: Sometimes the issue isn’t in the building’s wiring but in the plug or cord of the equipment. Look for damaged plugs, frayed cords, or loose connections.

Reset tripped breakers: If you’re familiar with your electrical panel, you can check whether a breaker has tripped. Reset it once if needed, but if it keeps tripping, stop there and call a professional.

Test GFCI outlets: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, often found in kitchens or bathrooms, can trip due to moisture or a short. Press the “reset” button on the outlet if it’s popped out.

What You Should Never Attempt Yourself

Even if you’re handy, there are tasks that should never be handled without a licensed electrician:

Opening electrical panels or wiring enclosures

Replacing fuses or breakers

Running new wiring or installing outlets

Diagnosing hidden wiring or ground faults

Repairing industrial equipment or three-phase systems

Not only is this risky for your safety, but unauthorized work could also violate local codes and insurance policies, leaving your business exposed to legal or financial trouble.

Why Call a Professional Electrician?

Commercial electrical systems are vastly more complex than residential ones. At K-CO Electric, we have the expertise, tools, and licensing to:

Accurately diagnose the root cause of electrical issues

Ensure repairs meet building codes and safety standards

Minimize business downtime with efficient service

Provide long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes

Attempting DIY electrical work in a commercial setting often leads to bigger problems down the line, including damaged systems, fire hazards, or voided warranties.

Trust the professionals to Keep Your Business Powered

At the end of the day, the electrical systems in your commercial building are too important to leave to chance. Even if you can perform a few simple checks, the safest, most reliable way to protect your property, employees, and equipment is to partner with a trusted professional. K-CO Electric is here to be that partner—providing professional troubleshooting, precise repairs, and proactive maintenance to keep your operations running smoothly. Don’t take risks with your business’s power—reach out to our experienced team and let us deliver the safe, code-compliant solutions you need to stay confident and connected. Contact us today to learn more!