Electrical systems are the backbone of any commercial building. Whether you run a retail store, office, or industrial facility, outdated or faulty wiring can lead to serious safety hazards, increased energy costs, and even business downtime. But how do you know when it’s time for an upgrade?

Here are five clear signs your commercial building may need an electrical overhaul—and why acting now could save your business money and headaches in the long run.

1. Frequent Power Surges or Tripping Circuit Breakers

If your building experiences regular power surges, flickering lights, or constantly tripping breakers, this is a red flag. These issues may indicate:

• Overloaded circuits that can’t handle modern electrical demands.

• Faulty or outdated wiring struggling to support your business operations.

• Potential fire hazards if left unchecked.

   Solution: Gateway Electrical can assess your system and upgrade your wiring or circuit board to prevent disruptions. Servicing Hamilton and surrounding suburbs.

2. Outdated or Non-Compliant Wiring

Older commercial buildings, especially those over 20–30 years old, often have outdated electrical wiring that no longer meets New Zealand safety standards. If your building has:

• Old ceramic fuses instead of modern circuit breakers.

• Aluminum or cloth-insulated wiring, which is prone to wear and tear.

• No Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to prevent electric shocks.

…then it’s time to upgrade for safety and compliance.

Solution: Gateway Electrical specializes in modern wiring upgrades and installing RCDs to ensure your building meets current electrical regulations, keeping your staff and customers safe.

3. Insufficient Power for Business Operations

Are you constantly dealing with:

• Overloaded power boards and extension cords?

• Not enough power outlets for your equipment?

• Voltage drops that affect machinery or IT systems?

As businesses grow, their electrical demands increase. If your system wasn’t designed to handle modern appliances, servers, or heavy machinery, you could be wasting energy and increasing the risk of electrical failures.

Solution: Gateway Electrical can upgrade your switchboard and install additional circuits to provide better efficiency and energy savings.

4. High Energy Bills Without Explanation

If your power bills have been steadily increasing but your energy usage hasn’t changed significantly, outdated wiring and inefficient systems could be the culprit. Common causes include:

• Old, inefficient lighting and appliances.

• Power leakage due to faulty wiring.

• Outdated electrical panels that don’t distribute power efficiently.

Solution: Gateway Electrical offers LED lighting upgrades, energy-efficient systems, and power factor correction to help reduce energy waste and lower your bills.

5. Buzzing Sounds, Burning Smells, or Warm Outlets

Electrical issues should never be ignored—especially if you notice:

• Buzzing or humming noises from outlets or switchboards.

• A burning smell near sockets or fuse boxes.

• Warm or discolored outlets, which could indicate overheating.

These are warning signs of serious electrical faults that could lead to fires or equipment damage.

Solution: Gateway Electrical provides professional inspections to identify and fix issues before they become major hazards.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – Get an Electrical Assessment Today!

Ignoring electrical issues can put your business at risk. A professional electrical upgrade can improve safety, efficiency, and long-term cost savings.

📞 Need an expert opinion? Contact Gateway Electrical today on 021 0200 1797 for a free electrical assessment and upgrade consultation.

📍 Trusted, experienced Electricians in Hamilton