5 Signs Your Business Needs an Electrical System Upgrade
Your business depends on electricity every single day—whether it’s keeping your lights on, powering machinery, or making sure your servers and HVAC systems stay running without a hitch. But just like any other system in your building, your electrical infrastructure isn’t built to last forever.
At Stewart Electric Company, Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how electrical issues can sneak up on even the most well-managed facilities. If your system is starting to show its age, there are often warning signs before things go wrong. Here are five of the most common red flags to keep an eye on.
1. Your Electrical Panel Looks Like It Belongs in a Museum
If you’re operating out of an older building and the main panel hasn’t been touched in decades, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Technology and electrical codes have come a long way, and an outdated panel just isn’t built to support today’s energy demands—or safety standards.
We regularly help businesses replace old panels with modern setups that offer more power, better protection, and peace of mind. It’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make to keep your building safe and future ready.
2. You’re Dealing with Constant Breaker Trips or Flickering Lights
Are lights dimming when equipment kicks on? Are breakers tripping out of the blue? These are telltale signs your circuits are overloaded. It’s not just annoying—it’s dangerous. And as your business grows and adds more devices or equipment, these problems will only get worse.
Our team can assess where your system is maxing out and create a plan to expand your capacity. Whether that means new circuits, heavier wiring, or a full rework, we’ll make sure your power supply is matched to your actual needs.
3. Your Energy Bills Keep Creeping Up
If your electric bill has been rising steadily—even though your operations haven’t changed much—it could be a sign that your system is working harder than it should. Older wiring, inefficient lighting, and outdated equipment can quietly drain energy (and money).
We help businesses cut waste by upgrading lighting, replacing inefficient components, and improving energy flow throughout the building. These changes often pay for themselves over time—and they’re better for the environment too.
4. Things Look… Not Quite Right
Sometimes the signs are visual—and easy to ignore. Rust on your panel, buzzing sounds from an outlet, discoloration around switches, or warm cover plates are all signs something’s wrong. These small issues can lead to big problems if left unchecked.
We take these signs seriously. Our licensed electricians will track down the root of the problem and fix it before it turns into a costly repair—or worse, a safety hazard.
5. You’re Not Sure If You’re Still Up to Code
Let’s be honest—most business owners aren’t flipping through the electrical codebook in their spare time. But codes and regulations change, and if your system hasn’t been inspected in a while, it might not be up to current standards. That can mean headaches during inspections, renovations, or insurance audits.
We can look at your system and let you know if any updates are needed to stay compliant. If so, we’ll handle the upgrades with minimal disruption to your business.
Need a Second Opinion? We’re Here to Help.
At Stewart Electric Company, Inc., we’ve been helping commercial and industrial clients across North Alabama and Southern-Middle Tennessee since 1976. Whether you’re worried about something specific or just want to stay ahead of potential issues, our experienced team is ready to look.
Call us at 256-536-4375 or reach out to request a quote. We’ll give you honest feedback, expert solutions, and electrical work you can count on.