Older commercial buildings run into all sorts of electrical headaches that threaten both safety and efficiency. Upgrading electrical panels, adding outlets, and improving wiring are some of the best electrical improvements you can make to keep your building running smoothly and safely. These updates keep your systems in line with modern power demands and help you avoid overloads and surprise failures.
When you call Magnify Electric, you get a crew of licensed electricians who actually get the quirks and challenges of older properties. If you need better lighting, more outlets, or a full panel overhaul, we’ll figure out a solution that fits—residential or commercial, we don’t mind.
You want an electrical system that grows with your business, not one that holds you back. We handle everything from quick fixes to big upgrades so your building’s up to code and ready for whatever’s next.
Upgrading Electrical Panels and Wiring
A lot of older commercial buildings just can’t keep up with today’s power needs. Upgrading panels, swapping out old wiring, and keeping up with safety codes really boosts reliability. Doing it right helps you dodge outages and fire risks, and it makes adding new tech a lot simpler.
Modernizing Electrical Panels
Your electrical panel is basically the traffic cop for power in your building. In older spaces, these panels are often tired and can’t keep up with everything plugged in nowadays. Switching to something like a 200-amp panel gives you breathing room for today’s equipment.
A newer panel means fewer tripped breakers and can handle heavier loads without sweating it. When you work with Magnify Electric, our electricians help pick a panel that actually fits your needs. That means fewer headaches and better performance.
Replacing Outdated Wiring
Old wiring is risky—think shocks, fires, the works. Knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which you’ll find in a lot of older buildings, just wasn’t built for what we demand now. Replacing it with copper wiring makes things safer and lets you run more tech without worry.
New wiring keeps lights, computers, and HVAC systems running smoothly, and you’ll spend less fixing problems down the line. Our team at Magnify Electric installs everything to last. Plus, better wiring cuts down on wasted energy, so your bills drop over time.
Ensuring Code Compliance
Electrical codes aren’t just red tape—they keep people safe. But older buildings often don’t match up with today’s standards. Upgrades should include adding Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in wet spots, proper grounding, and breaker setups that fit the latest codes.
Keeping up with code protects you, your team, and your customers. It also helps you skip fines and headaches if you ever want to renovate. Magnify Electric stays on top of all local and national electrical codes, so your upgrades will pass inspection without a hitch.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency
Boosting energy efficiency in older commercial buildings isn’t just about saving on bills—it’s about making your systems last longer, too. Focus on lighting, temperature controls, and energy monitoring to keep your power use in check. These changes help your building work smarter without breaking the bank.
Installing LED Lighting
Switching to LED lighting is a no-brainer for cutting energy use. LEDs use up to 75% less power than old-school bulbs and you won’t have to swap them out as often.
They also run cooler, so you don’t need as much AC. And with all the styles and brightness options, they fit anywhere—offices, hallways, storage, you name it.
Our licensed electricians at Magnify Electric can set you up with the right lighting system, so you get brighter spaces and lower bills.
Upgrading HVAC Controls
Heating and cooling soak up a ton of electricity. Upgrading to smart HVAC controls lets you run these systems more efficiently. Smart thermostats adjust automatically depending on when people are actually in the building.
This cuts down on wasted energy by not heating or cooling empty rooms. You can even set schedules that line up with your business hours—no more paying to cool an empty office.
Magnify Electric’s crew can install and program these controls to fit your building. With better control, you get more comfort and smaller bills.
Implementing Smart Meters
Smart meters keep tabs on your energy use in real time. You’ll see exactly where power’s getting wasted—maybe a machine left on during lunch, or lights burning all night.
With smart meters, you can set up alerts for weird spikes and react fast. That helps you avoid big repair bills or nasty surprises when the bill comes in.
Our team can hook up smart meters to your current setup and show you how to use the info. Watching your energy flow puts you in charge and helps you plan future upgrades.
Improving Safety Measures
Upgrading the electrical system in an older commercial building means zeroing in on safety. This covers surge protection, keeping circuit breakers up to date, and making sure emergency lights work when you actually need them.
Adding Surge Protection
Surge protection matters—a lot. Power spikes from storms or outages can fry sensitive electronics in a heartbeat. Without it, you’re risking expensive damage.
A whole-building surge protector stops those dangerous surges before they hit your wiring and gear. If your building has computers, security systems, or other electronics, you really can’t skip this.
Magnify Electric’s electricians can set up surge protection that fits your space. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you really need it.
Upgrading Circuit Breakers
Old circuit breakers just aren’t built for the way we use power now. Upgrading to modern breakers is key for fire safety and to prevent overloads.
Modern breakers trip fast if there’s an issue, cutting off power before anything bad happens. That keeps your building—and everyone in it—safe. Try not to crowd one circuit with too many high-wattage tools; that’s asking for trouble. Here’s how to avoid overloads.
Magnify Electric’s electricians can check your system and suggest the right upgrades. We make sure everything meets code and works the way it should.
Enhancing Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting is a must for safe exits during outages. A lot of older buildings have ancient emergency lights that might let you down in a pinch.
Upgrading to LED emergency lighting means better visibility and reliability. LEDs use less power but shine bright for longer. Placing fixtures where people can actually see them makes a big difference during an emergency.
Regular checks keep your emergency lighting in shape. Magnify Electric can install and maintain these systems, making sure your building stays safe and code-compliant.
Integrating Smart Building Technologies
Bringing smart technologies into your older commercial building helps you control energy use and cut costs. These systems adapt on their own, making your space safer and more efficient. You get perks like better lighting control and less energy waste.
Automated Lighting Systems
Automated lighting lets you schedule lights or have them respond to real-time conditions. Apps or building controls handle the switching, so you don’t have to.
LEDs pair well with these systems—less power, longer life. Automated setups can dim or brighten lights depending on the time or what’s happening in the room.
Magnify Electric’s electricians can install and set up automated lighting to fit your business. You’ll get better lighting and lower bills, minus the hassle.
Occupancy Sensors
Occupancy sensors pick up when someone’s in the room and turn lights (or even HVAC) on or off automatically. When the room’s empty, the lights go off—simple as that.
They’re great for places like restrooms, conference rooms, or storage areas where people forget to flip the switch. You can pick sensors that react instantly or after a short pause, whatever works best for you.
Magnify Electric’s team can install these sensors and make sure they blend with your existing setup. We’ll help you pick the right ones for your building’s size and how people use the space.
Futureproofing for Modern Needs
Upgrading your older commercial building isn’t just about now—it’s about what’s coming next. Think electric vehicles, clean energy, and bigger power needs. These upgrades keep your system safe and ready for years to come.
Preparing for EV Charging Stations
Electric vehicles are everywhere these days, so adding charging stations just makes sense. Your panel may need an upgrade to handle the extra load—sometimes a jump in amperage or a few dedicated circuits for chargers.
You’ll also want to plan charger placement for easy access. Wiring has to meet safety codes, and having enough outlets with good spacing helps avoid overloads.
Magnify Electric’s electricians can walk you through the best setup. We’ll check your current system and suggest upgrades that make sense for your budget and future plans.
Supporting Renewable Energy Integration
If you’re thinking about solar panels or other renewables, your building’s electrical system needs to be ready. That could mean adding inverters, special breakers, or upgrading your panel.
Older buildings often need panel upgrades to connect safely to renewable setups. Done right, you can store extra energy or send it back to the grid, which helps with bills and cuts down on traditional power use.
Magnify Electric can update your wiring and equipment to handle renewables safely. We’ll make sure everything meets code and works together, so you can add clean energy without worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upgrading electrical systems in older commercial buildings takes careful steps for better safety, efficiency, and compliance. It usually means updating wiring, panels, lighting, and getting regular inspections to keep things humming. Sometimes, you can even find financial help for these projects.
What steps can I take to enhance the electrical safety in my older commercial building?
Start by having a licensed electrician check your wiring and panels for damage or wear. Replace anything outdated, and add new breakers to stop overloads. If you’re short on outlets, add more—don’t rely on a mess of power strips.
Upgrading to modern panels and fixing bad wiring goes a long way to lower fire risks. GFCIs in wet areas are a must for protecting your building and staff.
Can upgrading lighting fixtures lead to energy savings in commercial spaces?
Absolutely. Switching to LEDs slashes energy use compared to old bulbs. They last longer, so you’re not always replacing them, and that saves money too.
Motion sensors or timers help by shutting off lights when nobody’s around. These upgrades make your space more efficient and bring down your monthly bills.
What are the best practices for maintaining electrical systems in historical commercial properties?
Keep wiring and panels clean, dry, and check them regularly for wear. Always use qualified electricians who know how to work with historic buildings.
Skip quick fixes that might mess up original components. Instead, plan upgrades that respect the building’s structure while making it safer.
How often should electrical systems be inspected in older commercial buildings?
Aim for inspections every 3 to 5 years. If your building uses a lot of power or had issues before, check more often.
Regular inspections spot problems early and help you stay on top of safety codes.
What is the process for updating outdated electrical panels in a commercial building?
First, get a licensed electrician to check your current panel and see what you need. Then, you’ll need a permit to make sure everything’s above board.
The electrician will swap out the old panel for a new one that can handle your equipment. If you need more circuits to avoid overloads, they’ll set that up too.
Are there financial incentives available for making electrical improvements in commercial properties?
Absolutely—lots of places give rebates or tax credits for energy-saving upgrades like LED lighting or panel replacements. You’ll want to check with your local utility company or government programs to see what’s out there.
Magnify Electric can help track down these incentives and walk you through the application process. Our licensed team handles everything from quick repairs to big commercial electrical projects.