Electricity keeps a business running and every business, from small to multiple campus corporations needs to keep electricity flowing. Electricraft, Inc., providing San Luis Obispo’s best electrician services, has some tips to help business and facilities managers have procedures in place for those times the electricity grid is down.
Businesses have no control over the public electricity grid and power outages are going to happen. Storms and other disasters, a traffic accident involving a power pole, or a grid overload are a few examples of situations over which business managers have no control. However, there some things that can be done to minimize the impact of a main grid power outage. These include:
- An alternative source that provides the minimum power required for key business operations.
- A plan for regular inspecting company-owned electrical systems.
- Regular inspections of electricity-dependent equipment.
- A plan for protecting valuable business equipment in the event of an outage.
- Having a plan, and train employees, for alternative business processes to keep operating in the event of an outage.
These tips can help small businesses keep key aspects of business operating during an outage. Large businesses and corporate campuses will benefit from more detailed plans to minimize downtime. This detail includes:
- Maintenance, troubleshooting, and inspections
- Procedures
- Training
- Record keeping
Maintenance, troubleshooting, and inspections
Electricity powers manufacturing and production equipment. Even though the staff of any given production line may be trained in maintaining the equipment, the electricity component, especially as it relates to the overall facility may need special focus.
- Have a written troubleshooting plan to follow for power failures, including power supplies to equipment.
- Have a written company policy and procedure that helps prevent overloading circuits.
- Schedule regular maintenance and inspections
Procedures including safety and security
Document the processes for maintaining and troubleshooting building electrical systems. The documentation includes:
- Schedules for maintenance.
- Procedures for maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Safety procedures.
- Type and placement of signage.
- Security.
- Equipment power off and power on procedures in the event of an outage or a test.
Make sure that electrical procedures are included in the corporate emergency and business continuity plans.
Training and certifications
- Know how to read electrical schematics, study the schematics.
- Know how to turn off all machinery, equipment, electronics, and other critical equipment.
- Implement a training program for critical staff.
- Hire certified electricians or contract with a local company to provide inspections, maintenance, and emergency service.
Record keeping
- Record problems, how the problem was repaired and the cost of the repairs.
- Keep easily accessible copies of the electrical system schematics.
- Know how much electricity each building or operation uses.
- Inventory electrical components and keep a supply on hand for replacement.
- Inventory electrical repair equipment and tools and have enough available to make the repairs in a timely fashion.
Putting it all together
Start with an operation-by-operation analysis. Approaching each operation or department as a discrete business and develop a plan at the department level. As that information develops, combine common issues. For example, two or more operations in a manufacturing company may be running critical equipment. The processes for protecting that equipment during a power outage are most likely the same. Identifying common issues and solutions and giving unique circumstances the same attention provides the information needed for a comprehensive plan.
Electricraft, Inc., being in business since 1984, is uniquely positioned to provide professional, certified electrician services to businesses of all sizes. Electricraft has a proven track record for providing the best electricians for San Luis Obispo County and an extensive list of successful residential, commercial/industrial, public works and solar installation projects.
