Key takeaways:
- Electrical load planning is about preparing for added demand so small issues don’t turn into major complications.
- Bringing in a licensed electrician from JAXSL helps avoid emergency calls.
- You need to account for hidden factors, such as seasonal spikes.
Every year, property managers start planning for renovations, lease renewals, and new tenants, but electrical load planning is often overlooked. New tenants and lease renewals mean increased demand, so the building’s electrical system needs to be ready for it.
That’s why load planning has to be a priority if you want to prevent repeated power failures. Whether you’re planning on upgrading HVAC systems, adding EV chargers, or installing surge suppressors, this is what you should know about electrical load planning for the new year.
Why You Should Care About Electrical Load Planning
It’s easy to underestimate how quickly electrical demand adds up across a property until you’re receiving recurring electricity-related complaints. Electrical load planning isn’t just yet another thing to do, it’s essential risk management.
1. You Prevent Emergency Repairs
Emergency repairs can be disruptive and stressful for everyone involved. Planning ahead helps you reduce the risk of high-stakes situations.
2. You Receive Fewer Complaints
You receive far less tenant backlash and need to make fewer maintenance calls when you make sure the property’s electrical system is functional and capable.
3. Reduced Electrical Safety Risks
Your property’s electrical system is at high risk of overheating or even causing fires from short circuits if it can’t handle the influx of appliances.
You can prevent this by load planning, getting an electrical inspection by a licensed electrician, and making room for upgrades like surge suppressors to protect your tenants’ homes.
4. Long-Term Savings
Upgrading, replacing, or installing new electrical systems or appliances can be a pretty big upfront expense, but it’s nothing in comparison to the headaches and larger repair costs.
How to Do Electrical Load Planning for the New Year
Knowing the property’s electrical capacity is non-negotiable for safety and for planning modern installations such as EV charging stations.
Here’s how you can start load planning:
1. Find Out Your Building’s Electrical Capacity
Find the main breaker panel and check for a number stamped on the breaker switch or on a label inside the panel door, often measured in amps, or (A).
2. Track Your Tenant’s Equipment and Usage
You should keep a record of your tenant’s electrical appliances and their average usage, particularly heavy-load devices like:
- Water heaters.
- HVAC systems.
- Washing machines.
- Power tools.
- EV chargers.
- Pool equipment.
3. Get a Licensed Electrician to Perform a Load Test
A licensed professional knows exactly what to look for when performing a load test and leaves nothing to chance.
They determine the property’s current load, assess whether it’s sufficient for future demands, and make honest recommendations (such as a panel upgrade) if necessary.
Keep the “Hidden” Electrical Load in Mind
It’s great that you can track obvious power needs like upgrades, but there are a couple of sneaky factors you might miss, such as:
- Seasonal Demand. Keep in mind that electricity demands change with the seasons, so you’ll probably see an increase in usage during winter and summer months.
- Smart Appliances. Smart devices are typically made to be “always on,” even if you’re not using them.
- Communal Areas. Shared spaces like laundry rooms, lifestyle centers, or gyms can put significant strain on the property’s electrical system, especially when multiple people use them simultaneously.
What Happens When a Building Reaches Its Electrical Capacity
It’s hard to miss when your electrical system reaches its limit. Keep an eye out for these signs:
- The breakers trip more often than usual (and it’s not getting any better).
- Your tenants may complain that their outlets feel hot or that they smell a burning or fishy odor.
- The breaker panels might make a sizzling or crackling noise.
- Appliances, switches, outlets, and breaker panels may shock you.
If you notice any of these signs or receive complaints about them, you should call an electrician immediately.
Why Should You Choose JAXSL as Your Long-Term Electrical Partner?
Our team at JAXSL is a group of licensed electricians with over 35 years of experience in the trade. We’re trusted by major commercial and residential clients, and we handle each project with the same level of planning and attention to detail.
Let us help give you a clear picture of your building’s electrical system and avoid major issues later. Contact us today for an easy and unmatched experience.
FAQ
1. Can electrical load planning prevent outages?
Yes, load planning helps identify issues so you can fix them before they cause outages.
2. How do surge suppressors fit into electrical load planning?
Surge suppressors protect your tenant’s electrical systems and devices from voltage spikes that occur after utility power is restored, providing a simple yet effective layer of protection.
3. Do you need a licensed electrician for electrical load planning?
You can track rough estimates of your building’s energy consumption and capacity for future upgrades, but a licensed electrician can provide a formal and accurate load planning assessment.
