As an office manager, you're tasked with making sure the office runs smoothly and safely. Part of that includes having the number of a capable electrical contractor handy. However, you can take other steps to reduce risks and avoid electrical problems. Below are the do's and don'ts of office electrical safety.

Do:

Choose surge protectors over power strips.

Many people believe that power strips and surge protectors are the same, but power strips increase the number of devices you can plug into a single wall outlet. Surge protectors have a component called a metal oxide varistor (MOV) that automatically diverts excess voltage from your devices if it detects a potentially dangerous surge in power. Power surges occur due to lightning strikes, sudden changes at the power utility, and when the power abruptly shuts off. A surge, if not diverted, can fry sensitive electronics.

Stay vigilant.

Have your office staff keep an eye out for signs of electrical issues. These include hot or warm switch panels, sparking outlets, and scorch marks on plug plates. If you notice any such symptoms, contact an electrical contractor to inspect the wiring and fixtures immediately.

Don't:

Overload a circuit.

When too much current passes through a wire that's not meant to handle a high-voltage amount, the current experiences resistance and causes the wire to heat up, presenting a fire hazard if the wire ignites the surrounding materials. Therefore, you should occasionally walk through the office and take note of people using surge protectors, extension cords, or power strips with several devices plugged in at once. Phone chargers, landlines, and small devices, like pencil sharpeners, draw little current, but beware of appliances like space heaters, microwave ovens, coffee makers, and other devices that use a substantial amount of electricity. 

Make extension cords permanent.

It's best to eliminate your office's use of extension cords altogether, except for short-term usage, since they're not meant to be permanent and can be hazardous if used as such. They can pose a tripping hazard, and the cheap models can't handle much current without overheating. Since they're flexible, the wires inside the casing can become knotted or frayed, which causes them to suffer damages. This can lead to sparking, short-circuiting, and electric shock.

If you've spotted electrical concerns in your office that need professional attention, contact the experts at Bonham Electric, Inc. , the premier electrical contractor in Dayton, OH. They have served Montgomery County and the surrounding areas since 1959, and they are renowned for their prompt response times, quality work, and friendly service. They specialize in both residential and commercial work, including lighting, generators, electrical wiring installation, and green solutions. Learn more about them on their website or call (937) 233-7662 to hire an electrical contractor.