Category: 24/7 Electrical Services

old building elctrical problems

Common Hidden Electrical Risks in Older Commercial Buildings and How to Mitigate Them

Written by Red Sage on . Posted in 24/7 Electrical Services, Commercial Electric, Electrical Design & Build, Uncategorized.

Many commercial buildings in North Alabama and Southern-Middle Tennessee have stood the test of time. They may have solid structures and timeless design, but their electrical systems often tell another story. Wires, panels, and outlets tucked behind walls can hide problems that put safety, efficiency, and compliance at risk. At Stewart Electric Company, Inc., we regularly work with building owners and facility managers to identify these hidden hazards and bring older systems up to modern standards.

Why Older Electrical Systems Can Be a Problem

Buildings built decades ago were not designed for the electrical demands of today’s world. In the past, office spaces had fluorescent lighting and a few computers. Today, those same buildings may power hundreds of devices, complex HVAC systems, automated machinery, and charging stations. When older wiring and panels are pushed beyond their limits, they can overheat or fail unexpectedly.

Some of the most common hidden issues in aging buildings include:

  • Circuits that frequently overload or trip breakers
  • Warm or buzzing electrical panels
  • Outdated fuse boxes still in use
  • Brittle or deteriorating insulation on wiring
  • Outlets without proper grounding or GFCI protection
  • Old aluminum wiring that no longer meets code

These issues often remain unnoticed until a major failure happens. Even if lights turn on and equipment runs smoothly, that doesn’t mean the electrical system is safe.

How Electrical Codes Have Changed

Electrical safety codes are updated every few years to improve protection and efficiency. Many older systems simply haven’t kept up with these changes. The National Electrical Code (NEC) now includes requirements for better grounding, arc fault protection, and safer breaker panels.

For example, outlets near sinks, break rooms, and outdoor areas must now include GFCI protection to prevent electrical shock. Older panels might also lack the capacity to handle today’s power loads or meet grounding standards. When a system hasn’t been inspected or updated in decades, it’s likely out of compliance and could pose safety concerns.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If your commercial property is more than 20 years old, it’s worth scheduling a professional inspection, especially if you notice:

  • Lights that flicker or dim when equipment starts
  • Outlets that feel warm or show discoloration
  • Breakers that trip without clear reason
  • Sudden increases in energy bills
  • Buzzing or humming sounds near panels

These may seem like minor annoyances, but they can signal deeper problems. A qualified commercial electrician can evaluate your system with load testing, visual inspections, and thermal imaging to find areas of concern before they lead to outages or damage.

Updating Older Systems Without Breaking the Budget

Upgrading an older electrical system does not have to mean a full replacement. In many cases, Stewart Electric helps businesses modernize their systems in phases to control costs and reduce downtime. Some of the most effective improvements include:

Panel Replacement:

Installing a new panel increases safety, capacity, and reliability. It also helps ensure compliance with current electrical codes.

Targeted Rewiring:

Instead of rewiring an entire building, we identify and replace only the circuits or sections that pose the greatest risk.

Improved Grounding and Bonding:

Proper grounding protects both equipment and personnel from electrical shock and power surges.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

LED upgrades reduce overall power demand and heat output, which helps older systems run more efficiently.

Preventive Maintenance:

Routine inspections, cleaning, and testing can extend the life of your electrical components and prevent costly emergencies.

Trust the Experts at Stewart Electric Company, Inc.

Stewart Electric Company, Inc. has been helping commercial and industrial clients across Huntsville and surrounding areas maintain safe, reliable electrical systems. Our experienced team understands how to modernize older facilities while keeping projects on schedule and within budget.

If your building’s electrical system hasn’t been evaluated in years, now is the time to act. A professional inspection today can prevent a costly problem tomorrow.

Call Stewart Electric Company, Inc. at 256-536-4375 or visit Stewart Electric Company, Inc.

commercial electrical maintenance

Electrical Maintenance Strategies That Prevent Costly Breakdowns in Industrial Facilities

Written by Red Sage on . Posted in 24/7 Electrical Services, Commercial Electric, Electrical Design & Build, Electrical Solutions, Emergency Electrical Services, Industrial Electrical Solutions, Uncategorized.

When it comes to industrial operations, downtime isn’t just inconvenient—it’s expensive. A single electrical failure can halt production, throw off delivery schedules, and eat into profits. The best way to avoid these headaches is to stop problems before they start, and that’s where a smart electrical maintenance plan comes in.

Being Proactive with Electrical Maintenance

Electrical systems in industrial facilities work hard every day. Over time, wear and tear, environmental factors, and heavy loads can cause components to degrade. Without regular check-ups, small issues can turn into major breakdowns. Preventive electrical maintenance keeps your systems healthy, your team safe, and your operation running smoothly.

At Stewart Electric Company, Inc., we’ve helped countless facilities avoid costly repairs by taking a proactive approach to electrical upkeep.

Strategies for Preventing Breakdowns

  1. Stick to a Maintenance Schedule

Consistent inspections and testing catch trouble early. Tools like infrared scanning can find overheated wires or loose connections that aren’t visible to the naked eye—issues that, if ignored, could cause serious damage.

  1. Keep Process Control Systems in Check

From motor controls to automated sensors, your process control systems are the heart of production. Regular calibration ensures everything operates efficiently and prevents equipment strain or production errors.

  1. Maintain a Clean Environment

Dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures are tough on electrical equipment. Keeping panels clean, controlling humidity, and ensuring proper airflow go a long way toward extending system life.

  1. Balance the Load

Uneven or overloaded circuits put unnecessary stress on your electrical infrastructure. Periodic load testing and adjustments help maintain consistent performance across the facility.

  1. Be Ready for the Unexpected

Even the most thorough maintenance plan can’t prevent every issue. That’s why it’s important to have a qualified electrical team on call 24/7 to address emergencies quickly and safely.

Preventive maintenance is more than just a safety measure—it’s a cost-saving strategy. Well-maintained electrical systems last longer, perform better, and are less likely to cause production delays.

Stewart Electric Company, Inc. specializes in creating maintenance programs tailored to each facility’s unique needs, schedule, and industry standards. Whether it’s hazardous location work, process control, or large-scale lighting systems, we make sure your electrical systems are ready to perform when you need them most.

Don’t wait for a breakdown to slow you down—contact Stewart Electric Company, Inc. at 256.536.4375 to start building your custom maintenance plan today.

 

hanging lights at commercial building

Lighting Upgrades for Commercial Spaces: Save Money and Improve Productivity

Written by Red Sage on . Posted in 24/7 Electrical Services, Commercial Electric, Commercial Lighting, Electrical Lighting services, Industrial Electrical Solutions, Lighting Installation, Uncategorized.

If you manage or own a commercial property, you know how quickly operating costs can add up. But there’s one area that’s often overlooked—and it could be costing you more than you think: your lighting.

At Stewart Electric Company, Inc., we’ve helped countless businesses across North Alabama and Southern-Middle Tennessee modernize their lighting systems. Why? Because it’s one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to boost efficiency and improve the environment your employees and customers experience every day.

The Problem with Outdated Lighting

If your facility still uses older fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs, you’re probably spending more on energy and maintenance than necessary. These fixtures are not only inefficient, but they also burn out faster and often don’t provide the quality of light modern commercial spaces need.

Dim lighting, flickering, or uneven coverage can make a space feel dated—and worse, it can affect how people work and interact in that environment.

Why LED Lighting Is a Smart Investment

Switching to LED isn’t just about saving electricity—it’s about upgrading your entire facility. LEDs are:

  • Up to 70% more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs
  • Long-lasting, which means fewer replacements and less maintenance
  • Cooler-running, which helps regulate indoor temperatures
  • Bright and consistent, providing better visibility throughout the space

When we install LED systems for our clients, they often see a noticeable drop in utility bills within the first month. And over the long term, the savings are substantial.

Lighting That Works Smarter, Not Harder

The real beauty of modern lighting systems lies in how adaptable they are. Smart lighting controls can automate when and where lights turn on, based on occupancy or natural daylight levels. That means you’re not paying to light empty rooms or sunlit spaces.

You can even control lighting zones from a centralized system—perfect for larger facilities or multi-building properties.

More Than Just a Utility Upgrade

Improving your lighting does more than save money—it directly impacts your team’s performance. Studies show that employees are more alert and productive in well-lit environments. Good lighting also reduces eye strain, improves mood, and increases overall satisfaction in the workplace.

In manufacturing or industrial settings, better lighting can even improve safety by reducing shadows and enhancing visibility in work areas.

Don’t Leave Incentives on the Table

Depending on your location and utility provider, you may be eligible for rebates or incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient lighting. These programs can cover a portion of the cost, making your return on investment even faster. Our team at Stewart Electric can help you explore what’s available and guide you through the application process.

Start with a Lighting Assessment

Every building is different. That’s why we always start with a custom lighting assessment. Whether you need to overhaul an entire warehouse or simply upgrade the lighting in a few office suites, we’ll recommend the best solutions for your layout, usage patterns, and budget.

If you’re ready to cut costs, improve your building’s function, and create a better environment for the people inside it, upgrading your lighting is a great place to start.

Call Stewart Electric Company, Inc. today at 256-536-4375 or reach out for a quote and let’s find the right lighting solution for your commercial space.

Electrical boxes

Emergency Electrical Repairs: When to Call a Pro and What to Expect

Written by Red Sage on . Posted in 24/7 Electrical Services, Commercial Electric, Commercial Lighting, Electrical Design & Build, Electrical Solutions, Emergency Electrical Services, Healthcare Electrical Systems, Industrial Electrical Solutions, Uncategorized.

Electrical problems have a way of showing up when you least expect them—and when they do, they can bring everything to a grinding halt. Whether it’s a factory floor, a healthcare facility, or a commercial building, electrical disruptions can pose serious risks to safety, equipment, and productivity. That’s why knowing when it’s time to bring in the experts is crucial.

At Stewart Electric Company, Inc., we offer round-the-clock emergency electrical services tailored to meet the unique demands of industrial, commercial, and healthcare environments. Let’s walk through when to make that call—and what happens next.

Red Flags That Call for Immediate Help

Not every electrical issue is an emergency, but these situations definitely are:

Heat, Burning Smells, or Smoke

If you notice the scent of burning insulation or smoke near electrical panels or outlets, it’s a red alert. This may indicate overheating wires or an impending fire hazard.

Loss of Power (With No Known Utility Issue)

If the power cuts out suddenly and nearby buildings still have electricity, the issue may lie within your facility’s electrical system. It could be anything from a failed transformer to a damaged breaker panel.

Electrical Equipment Malfunction in Critical Facilities

Hospitals and clinics rely on uninterrupted power for life-saving equipment. If power to essential systems is compromised, there’s no time to waste.

Persistent Breaker Trips or Blown Fuses

If you’re frequently resetting breakers or replacing fuses, it’s a sign that something in your electrical system is overloaded, shorted, or deteriorating.

Lights Flicker or Dim Unpredictably

Fluctuating voltage can damage sensitive machinery or electronics and may suggest wiring faults or distribution panel issues.

How Stewart Electric Responds to Electrical Emergencies

When you call our emergency line, here’s what you can expect:

  1. Immediate Triage Over the Phone

We’ll ask key questions to assess the urgency and nature of the problem so we can send the right team with the appropriate equipment.

  1. Rapid Response by Qualified Technicians

Our electricians are trained for fast deployment and skilled in working safely across all industries, including high-voltage and healthcare facilities.

  1. On-Site Risk Assessment and Troubleshooting

Upon arrival, our team prioritizes safety—both for your facility and your personnel. We identify the issue through a systematic diagnosis and begin remediation steps.

  1. Stabilization and Emergency Repair

If the issue can be resolved on the spot, we get it done quickly. If more time or parts are needed, we’ll ensure temporary safety measures are in place and schedule a full repair immediately.

  1. Thorough Testing and Follow-Up

Before we leave, we perform rigorous testing to verify system safety and reliability. You’ll receive a summary of what was done and any recommended next steps.

Why Businesses Trust Stewart Electric in a Crisis

  • 24/7 Emergency Coverage – Anytime, day or night, we’re ready to respond.
  • Experienced Across All Sectors – From medical facilities to manufacturing plants, we know how to work in critical environments.
  • High Standards for Safety and Compliance – We meet all safety codes and provide peace of mind with every call.
  • Fast, Focused, and Reliable – We know that downtime is costly, and we’re committed to minimizing it.

Electrical emergencies aren’t something to troubleshoot on your own. Even a minor delay can lead to costly damage or serious risk. With Stewart Electric Company, Inc., help is always a phone call away.

Reach out 24/7 for emergency electrical repairs—because when safety and uptime are on the line, you need a team you can trust. Contact us today at 256.536.4375 or visit us online for more information!

Stewart Electric Company, Inc. is proud to be a member of instrumental industrial associations:

Location

1009 A Cleaner Way
Huntsville, AL 35805

Mail

PO Box 14485
Huntsville, AL 35815

Get in Touch

© Stewart Electric Company, Inc