Residential, Cook Electric
Written by Stu Kushner

Improve Your Apartment Building’s Electrical Safety With Upgrades – Part 2

As covered by Part 1, an apartment building’s electrical system that is properly installed and maintained can significantly reduce the risk of injury and death, equipment and electronic damage, power outages, and home fires. Part 2 discusses Crucial Safety Recommendations and Obsolete Control Panels.

Crucial Safety Recommendations

Aluminum wiring, commonly installed in the 1960s and 1970s, poses a severe safety threat and must be replaced to prevent electrical fires. Two-pronged ungrounded receptacles must be returned with grounded 3-pin boxes. A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) should be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and other spaces where water is present.

Obsolete Control Panels

Even if the old electrical wiring system is safe, it may not provide enough power to meet modern demands. Symptoms such as flickering or dim lights tripped circuit breakers, and the need for extension cords to meet power demands are indications of inadequate electrical infrastructure in residential buildings.

For apartment buildings, amperage distribution depends on the size of each unit. The electrical capacity needed is estimated by considering the area and expected usage. A one-bedroom apartment is typically assigned 40 amps, and a three-bedroom apartment may be set to 80 amps. Supplying enough power to each apartment is more than just convenience. HVAC systems, which are essential for the health of residents, require sufficient energy to function correctly.

Multi-family electrical infrastructure must be able to handle the increased power load caused by the rapidly growing number of electronic devices. Wires too small to carry current can overheat and lead to fires, harming residents and destroying their homes.

Upgrading electrical wiring is important when retrofitting or replacing major equipment and installing backup generators. A licensed electrician who is an expert in maintaining an apartment building’s electrical infrastructure can calculate the additional stresses on existing panels. This expert can recommend an electrical panel upgrade if required.  

Electrical Peace of Mind

Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electric is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs. For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be happy to help you.