Now that the holidays are over and winter has set in, many businesses may face various electrical issues. The colder Kentucky months can bring unexpected challenges, like losing power, flickering lights, or overloading circuits.

Established in 1976, Walker Electric serves local businesses to keep them protected and connected. To help you stay alert at your commercial property, our team has prepared a guide to help you prevent common electrical concerns in the winter, including stressing safety, which prevents electrical hazards from snowballing into bigger predicaments.

Common Winter Electrical Issues Businesses Face

Three common electrical issues that businesses face in the winter and should schedule an appointment immediately are the following:

1. Flickering or Dimming Lights

Fluctuations in power during winter storms or cold weather can cause your lights to flicker or dim. These interruptions may result from strained utility grids or loose connections within your system.

If you notice persistent flickering, it could indicate a more significant issue, such as faulty wires or failing circuit breakers.

2. Overloading Circuits

Heaters, holiday lighting, and other appliances used during colder months can put significant stress on electrical circuits. Overloading circuits can trip breakers or, in worse cases, cause overheating and electrical hazards.

To prevent this, avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet or power strip. Instead, distribute your equipment across different circuits and consider upgrading your panel.

3. Having Weather-Related Challenges

Winter storms frequently cause power outages and surges that damage sensitive equipment. Water intrusion from ice and snow can also threaten outdoor wires and electrical systems.

We recommend regular exterior outlets, wiring, and weatherproofing inspections to combat these situations.

Post-Holiday Safety: Addressing Electrical Hazards

The end of the holiday season means taking down the festive decorations and addressing electrical safety concerns. Some safety actions you can take at your commercial property include:

• lRemoving Decorations Safely. Always unplug decorations before handling them and avoid yanking cords out of outlets, as this can damage wiring. Inspect holiday lighting for frayed wires or exposed metal before packing them away and replacing any damaged items.
• Inspecting Electrical Systems Post-Holiday. After the holidays, inspect electrical systems for signs of wear and tear, such as looking for burnt or discolored outlets, which may indicate overheating. If you use outdoor lighting, check that all fixtures and cords remain weatherproof and intact to avoid potential issues in the future.
• Creating or Refreshing an Emergency Kit. Post-holiday safety includes checking on your commercial emergency kit to ensure items, like batteries, chargers, and shelf-stable foods, are still good to use if needed. If your business doesn’t have an emergency kit, now is the time to create one to keep yourself and your customers safe if there’s ever an emergency.
  

How to Avoid Common Electrical Issues at Your Business

Here are a few ways you can avoid common electrical issues at your business this winter and beyond:

• Upgrading outdated panels or adding dedicated circuits can improve efficiency and safety.
• Using equipment and extension cords rated for commercial use.
• Training team members to follow electrical safety protocols and recognize potential electrical hazards.
• Encouraging employees to report any unusual smells, sparks, or overheating immediately.

Additionally, scheduling routine electrical inspections is one of the best ways to prevent complications. Our Walker Electric team can identify and fix minor issues before they escalate, keeping your systems reliable throughout the winter.

Keep Your Business Safe with Walker Electric Near Lexington, KY

Don’t let electrical issues disrupt your operations this winter. Walker Electric's expert professionals provide reliable electrical solutions and skilled, friendly service. We’re happy to offer any guidance or answer questions about preventing common electrical hazards during the winter and more at your business.

Contact us online or call (859) 252-2892 today to schedule an appointment because electrical problems don’t have to become major disruptions. If you have an emergency, please get in touch with us immediately, as we offer 24/7 emergency electrical services. Walker Electric is located near Lexington, KY. We serve our neighboring communities, including Frankfort, Richmond, and Georgetown.