Commercial Electrical Maintenance Checklist: Prevent Costly Downtime

# Commercial Electrical Maintenance Checklist: Prevent Costly Downtime Unplanned electrical failures in commercial buildings are not just inconvenient. They are expensive, disruptive, and in many cases entirely preventable. The average cost of commercial downtime ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per hour depending on the industry, and that figure does not include equipment damage, spoiled inventory, lost customers, or potential liability if safety systems fail. According to industry data, approximately 30% of electrical failures in commercial buildings are directly preventable with a structured maintenance program. Another 25% can be detected early enough through routine inspection to schedule repairs during off-hours rather than experiencing emergency failures during business operations. This guide provides a complete, actionable maintenance framework for commercial property owners and facility managers. Every checklist item, timeline, and procedure described here is based on industry standards, manufacturer recommendations, and decades of real-world experience maintaining commercial electrical systems in Florida. ## Why Electrical Maintenance Matters Beyond avoiding the immediate pain of downtime, there are several compelling reasons to invest in preventive electrical maintenance: **Insurance requirements.** Many commercial property insurance policies require documented electrical maintenance. If a loss occurs and you cannot demonstrate that the electrical system was properly maintained, the insurer may reduce or deny the claim. Some policies specifically require annual infrared thermography scans and documented testing of emergency systems. **Code compliance.** The Florida Building Code and NFPA standards require ongoing testing and maintenance of emergency lighting, fire alarm systems, and generator systems. Failure to perform and document these tests can result in fire marshal violations, fines, and orders to correct. **Equipment longevity.** Electrical connections loosen over time due to thermal cycling (repeated heating and cooling as loads change). Loose connections create increased resistance, which creates more heat, which loosens the connection further. This cycle, if not interrupted by periodic maintenance, leads to equipment failure, arc flash events, and fires. A $200 annual connection tightening service can prevent a $15,000 panel replacement. **Energy costs.** Loose connections, corroded contacts, and degraded insulation all increase resistance in the electrical system. This resistance converts electricity to waste heat rather than useful work. A poorly maintained electrical system can waste 5-10% of energy costs through increased losses. **Liability protection.** If an electrical failure injures an employee, customer, or tenant, the property owner's maintenance practices will be scrutinized. Documented, regular maintenance by a licensed contractor demonstrates due diligence and can significantly affect liability outcomes. ## NFPA 70B: The Standard for Electrical Maintenance NFPA 70B (Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance) is the nationally recognized standard for commercial and industrial electrical maintenance programs. While technically a "recommended practice" rather than a mandatory code, NFPA 70B is frequently referenced by insurance companies, OSHA, and the legal system as the benchmark for what constitutes adequate electrical maintenance. Key principles from NFPA 70B: - Electrical equipment deteriorates under normal use and requires periodic maintenance to maintain safe and reliable operation. - A preventive maintenance program should be based on manufacturer recommendations, operating conditions, and equipment criticality. - Maintenance should include visual inspections, testing, and corrective actions. - All maintenance activities must be documented, including dates, findings, corrective actions, and the qualifications of personnel performing the work. - Frequency of maintenance should be adjusted based on equipment condition, environment, and operational demands. Florida's heat, humidity, and lightning exposure generally warrant more frequent maintenance than northern climates. NFPA 70B was elevated from a Recommended Practice to a full Standard in 2023, signaling the increasing importance of electrical maintenance in the codes and standards landscape. This change may lead to more jurisdictions and insurance companies treating it as a mandatory requirement. ## Monthly Visual Inspection Checklist The following inspections should be performed monthly by trained facility staff. They do not require a licensed electrician but do require someone who knows what to look for and takes the task seriously. Each inspection should take 30-60 minutes depending on building size. ### 1. Check Panel Covers Secure, No Signs of Heat or Discoloration Walk every electrical room and mechanical space. Verify that all panel covers are in place, secured with their fasteners, and show no signs of discoloration, melting, warping, or soot. A panel cover that is warm to the touch (compared to ambient temperature) indicates a problem inside that requires professional investigation. **What to look for:** Browning or yellowing of the panel face, bubbling paint, a burning or acrid smell near the panel, soot marks around breaker handles or panel edges. **Action if found:** Do not open the panel. Contact a licensed electrician for investigation. A warm or discolored panel may indicate an imminent arc flash hazard. ### 2. Test GFCI Outlets Press the TEST button on every GFCI receptacle in the building. The power should cut off immediately. Press RESET to restore power. If any GFCI fails to trip when tested, or fails to reset, it must be replaced. **Why monthly:** GFCI devices have internal electronics that can fail. Industry studies show that approximately 15% of GFCI receptacles older than 10 years will fail a trip test. Monthly testing catches failures before they create a safety hazard. **Record keeping:** Log the date tested, location, and pass/fail result for each device. ### 3. Verify Emergency Lighting Operational (30-Second Test) NEC and the Florida Building Code require monthly functional testing of all emergency lighting. Press the test button on each emergency light unit (or use a centralized test switch if the building has one) and verify that the lights illuminate. Hold the test for at least 30 seconds to confirm the battery holds a charge. **What to document:** Date, unit location, pass/fail, and the name of the person performing the test. Units that fail must be repaired or replaced before the next testing cycle. ### 4. Check Exit Signs Illuminated Walk every exit path in the building and verify that all exit signs are illuminated and visible from the required distance (typically 75-100 feet). Check both sides of double-faced signs. Verify that directional arrows point toward the correct exit path. **Common issues:** Burned-out lamps (in older incandescent or fluorescent signs), dead batteries (test by pressing the test button), signs obscured by new fixtures, signage, or storage. ### 5. Inspect Outdoor Lighting Operation Walk the building exterior, parking lot, and any outdoor common areas after dark (or use the test feature during daytime) and verify that all outdoor lighting is operational. Pay attention to security lighting, parking lot lights, pathway lighting, and building-mounted fixtures. **Why it matters:** Non-functional exterior lighting creates security and liability risks. Slip-and-fall claims and security incidents are more common and more costly when lighting is inadequate. ### 6. Look for Flickering or Dimming Lights During normal operations, observe lighting throughout the building. Flickering, dimming, or lights that change brightness when other equipment starts or stops can indicate: - Loose connections in the lighting circuit - Overloaded circuits - Failing ballasts or drivers - Voltage fluctuations from the utility or within the building - A neutral connection problem (potentially serious) Intermittent flickering that correlates with large equipment cycling (HVAC compressors, elevators) may indicate a need for service upgrade or dedicated circuits. ### 7. Check for Unusual Buzzing or Humming Walk through electrical rooms, mechanical spaces, and areas near panels and transformers. Listen for buzzing, humming, or crackling sounds that are new or louder than normal. **Normal:** Low hum from transformers and fluorescent ballasts. **Abnormal:** Loud buzzing from panels or breakers (may indicate arcing), crackling or snapping sounds (indicates active arcing, an immediate hazard), humming from receptacles or switches (loose connection). **Crackling or snapping sounds from any electrical equipment constitute an emergency. De-energize the circuit if it can be done safely and contact an electrician immediately.** ### 8. Verify Surge Protector Indicators Check all surge protection devices (SPDs) for their status indicators. Most SPDs have LED indicators showing protection status: green for protected, red or no light for failed/no protection. A surge protector that has absorbed a significant surge event may need replacement. Building-level surge protectors on the main panel are especially important in Florida, where lightning density is among the highest in the country. A failed building surge protector leaves all downstream equipment unprotected. ### 9. Inspect Cord and Plug Conditions Walk through the facility and inspect power cords, extension cords, and plug connections for visible damage: cracked insulation, exposed conductors, bent prongs, scorch marks, or warm plugs. Pay particular attention to: - Cords running through doorways or under rugs (a code violation and fire hazard) - Daisy-chained power strips (a code violation) - Cords with tape repairs (must be replaced, not repaired) - Overloaded multi-outlet adapters ### 10. Check Outdoor Receptacle Covers Verify that all outdoor receptacle covers are in place and functioning. Outdoor receptacles require in-use covers (also called "bubble covers" or "while-in-use" covers) that maintain weather protection even when a plug is inserted. Missing or broken covers expose the receptacle to rain, which can cause ground faults, tripped breakers, and shock hazards. ## Quarterly Maintenance Tasks These tasks require more time and in some cases more technical knowledge than monthly inspections. Some can be performed by trained facility staff; others require a licensed electrician or specialized contractor. ### 1. Test Emergency Lighting (30-Minute Test) In addition to the monthly 30-second test, a 30-minute discharge test should be performed quarterly. This test verifies that the emergency lighting batteries can sustain illumination for an extended period, catching batteries that pass a brief test but fail under sustained load. Disconnect normal power to the emergency lighting (via the test button, by switching off the circuit breaker, or using a centralized test system) and time the illumination. All units must maintain adequate illumination for the full 30 minutes. ### 2. Check Generator Operation (Load Test) If the building has a standby generator, perform a monthly exercise run (at minimum) and a quarterly loaded test. The quarterly test should include: - Start the generator and allow it to reach operating temperature - Transfer load to the generator (manually or via automatic transfer switch) - Operate under load for a minimum of 30 minutes - Verify voltage and frequency within acceptable ranges (typically 480V +/- 5%, 60 Hz +/- 0.5 Hz) - Monitor coolant temperature, oil pressure, and battery charging voltage - Return load to normal utility power - Document all readings and any abnormalities Generator manufacturers universally recommend regular loaded testing. Generators that only run unloaded develop carbon buildup (wet stacking) in diesel engines, which reduces reliability and can cause failure when the generator is needed most. ### 3. Inspect Electrical Rooms for Proper Clearance Walk every electrical room and verify that the required 36-inch (or 48-inch for 480V) working clearance in front of all panels and disconnects is maintained. Over time, storage, supplies, and equipment tend to migrate into electrical rooms because they often have unused floor space. Remove anything that encroaches on the required clearance. Post signage reminding staff that the clearance must be maintained at all times. ### 4. Check Panel Directories for Accuracy Open each panel and compare the circuit directory to the actual loads on each circuit. This can be done by switching off individual breakers and verifying which loads de-energize. Update the directory to reflect any changes. Accurate panel directories are a code requirement (NEC 408.4) and are essential for safe maintenance and emergency response. In a power failure or electrical emergency, an accurate panel directory allows the correct circuit to be isolated quickly without guesswork. ### 5. Test Fire Alarm System Perform a quarterly fire alarm test in accordance with NFPA 72 and your monitoring company's requirements. This typically includes: - Notifying the monitoring company before testing (to prevent false dispatch) - Activating initiating devices (pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors) and verifying alarm signals are received at the panel - Verifying notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers) activate properly - Verifying any door holders release and fire doors close - Documenting all test results Some jurisdictions and insurance companies accept quarterly testing; others require semi-annual or annual testing by a licensed fire alarm contractor. Verify your specific requirements. ### 6. Inspect Parking Lot Lighting Check all parking lot light poles for structural integrity (no visible rust at the base, no leaning poles), verify all lamps are operational, and check photocell operation (lights turn on at dusk, off at dawn). Replace failed lamps promptly. Parking lot lighting failures are a common source of premises liability claims. Documenting regular inspections demonstrates diligence. ### 7. Check UPS Battery Condition For buildings with uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems protecting servers, network equipment, or other critical loads, check the UPS status panel quarterly. Most UPS systems display battery condition, load percentage, and fault codes on a front panel or through management software. Replace UPS batteries per the manufacturer's recommended schedule, typically every 3-5 years. Batteries that are past their service life may appear functional during normal operation but will fail to provide adequate runtime during an outage. ### 8. Review Energy Consumption for Anomalies Compare current month's energy bills to the same month in previous years. A sudden increase in consumption without a corresponding change in operations or weather can indicate: - Equipment running continuously that should cycle (stuck contactors, failed thermostats) - Ground faults causing current leakage - Degraded insulation causing increased losses - Unauthorized equipment additions - Utility metering errors A 10-15% increase in consumption with no explanation warrants investigation by a qualified electrician. ## Annual Maintenance Requirements Annual maintenance tasks are more comprehensive and most require a licensed electrician or specialized testing firm. These tasks form the backbone of a professional preventive maintenance program. ### 1. Emergency Lighting 90-Minute Discharge Test The annual 90-minute test is required by NEC Article 700, the Florida Building Code, and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code). Every emergency lighting unit in the building must illuminate for 90 continuous minutes on battery power alone. This is a pass/fail test. Units that fail must be repaired (typically battery replacement) and retested. This is the most demanding test of your emergency lighting system and the one most likely to identify units with degraded batteries. Schedule this test during a time when the building can tolerate emergency lighting being out of service for battery recharging (typically 24-48 hours after a full discharge test). ### 2. Full Generator Load Bank Test An annual load bank test connects the generator to an artificial load that can be adjusted to apply the generator's full rated capacity. This test: - Verifies the generator can produce its full rated output - Burns off carbon deposits from wet stacking (diesel generators) - Identifies cooling system weaknesses under full load - Verifies voltage regulation and frequency stability under varying loads - Tests the entire fuel system under sustained high demand Load bank testing requires specialized equipment and should be performed by a qualified generator service company. Cost is typically $1,000-$3,000 depending on generator size. ### 3. Infrared Thermography Scan Infrared (IR) thermography uses a thermal imaging camera to identify hot spots in electrical equipment without de-energizing or opening panels. Hot spots indicate: - **Loose connections:** The most common finding. A loose connection creates resistance, which generates heat. IR imaging can detect a loose connection months or years before it causes a failure. - **Overloaded circuits:** Conductors running above their rated capacity show elevated temperatures along their entire length. - **Failing components:** Breakers, contactors, fuses, and other components approaching failure often generate excess heat. - **Phase imbalance:** In 3-phase systems, one phase running hotter than the others indicates unbalanced loading. **What gets scanned:** All main panels, distribution panels, disconnects, transfer switches, motor control centers, transformers, and any critical connection points. **Recommended frequency:** Annually for most commercial buildings. Semi-annually for critical facilities (healthcare, data centers, manufacturing). After any electrical event (lightning strike, power surge, equipment failure). **Cost:** $500-$2,000 depending on building size and number of panels. This is one of the highest-return investments in electrical maintenance. A single loose connection caught by IR scanning before failure can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in damage, downtime, and emergency repairs. **Deliverable:** A professional IR survey should produce a written report with thermal images of all scanned equipment, identification of any anomalies, severity classification, and recommended corrective actions with priorities. ### 4. Breaker Exercise (Trip and Reset All Breakers) Circuit breakers are mechanical devices that can seize or become sluggish if they remain in the same position for years. Annual exercising (cycling each breaker off and on) helps maintain the mechanical mechanism and verifies that each breaker can actually trip when needed. **Procedure:** 1. Coordinate with building occupants to schedule the exercise during off-hours. 2. Identify and protect any sensitive equipment that should not be power-cycled (servers, medical equipment, security systems). 3. Starting from the branch circuit breakers, switch each breaker OFF, wait 5 seconds, then switch back ON. 4. Verify that each breaker switches smoothly without excessive force. 5. After exercising branch breakers, exercise main breakers (with appropriate coordination). 6. Document any breakers that are stiff, do not fully trip, or make unusual sounds. **Breakers that do not operate smoothly must be replaced.** A breaker that cannot trip is a fire hazard. ### 5. Connection Torque Verification All electrical connections loosen over time due to thermal cycling, vibration, and conductor creep (gradual deformation of the conductor under sustained pressure). Annual torque verification involves: - De-energizing the equipment (this is live-work prohibited under most circumstances) - Removing panel covers - Checking every connection with a calibrated torque wrench to the manufacturer's specified torque value - Re-torquing any connections found loose - Documenting all connections checked and any findings Common torque specifications: | Connection Type | Typical Torque | |---|---| | #14 AWG on standard breaker | 20 in-lbs | | #12 AWG on standard breaker | 20 in-lbs | | #10 AWG on standard breaker | 25 in-lbs | | #8 AWG on standard breaker | 35-40 in-lbs | | Bus bar connections | Per manufacturer specification | | Lug connections (large wire) | Per manufacturer specification | Always use the manufacturer's specified torque values. Over-torquing damages conductors and terminals and can be as dangerous as under-torquing. ### 6. Grounding System Testing The building's grounding electrode system should be tested annually to verify it provides a low-impedance path to earth. Testing is performed using a ground resistance tester (fall-of-potential method or clamp-on method). **Acceptable readings:** The NEC does not specify a maximum ground resistance for most commercial buildings, but 25 ohms is the maximum for a single ground rod (NEC 250.53), and 5 ohms or less is considered a good target for commercial buildings. Healthcare facilities typically require 5 ohms or less. Florida's sandy soil and variable water table can cause ground resistance to fluctuate seasonally. Testing during the dry season provides worst-case readings. ### 7. Transformer Oil Testing (If Applicable) Buildings with oil-filled transformers should have the transformer oil tested annually. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) can detect internal faults developing inside the transformer months or years before they cause failure. Oil testing checks for: - Dielectric breakdown voltage (insulation strength) - Dissolved gases indicating arcing, overheating, or insulation breakdown - Moisture content - Acid number (indicating oil degradation) **Cost:** $300-$600 per transformer for a comprehensive oil analysis. Given that a medium-sized commercial transformer costs $15,000-$50,000 to replace (plus downtime), annual oil testing is an excellent investment. ### 8. Full Fire Alarm Inspection NFPA 72 requires annual inspection and testing of all fire alarm system components. This must be performed by a licensed fire alarm contractor and includes: - Visual inspection of all initiating devices, notification appliances, and control equipment - Functional testing of all smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations, and duct detectors - Sensitivity testing of smoke detectors - Testing of all notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers) - Verification of monitoring company communication - Battery load testing - Documentation and reporting The fire alarm inspection report must be maintained on file and is subject to review by the fire marshal. ### 9. Lighting Level Measurements Measure illumination levels in key areas of the building using a light meter and compare to code requirements and original design specifications. Over time, lighting output degrades due to lamp aging (lumen depreciation), dirty fixtures, and failed lamps. Areas to measure: | Area | Minimum Recommended (Foot-Candles) | |---|---| | Offices - general | 30-50 | | Offices - detailed task work | 50-75 | | Retail - general | 30-50 | | Warehouse - general | 10-20 | | Parking garage | 5-10 | | Stairwells | 10-20 | | Emergency egress paths | 1 minimum (emergency lighting) | | Commercial kitchen | 50-70 | | Restrooms | 20-30 | Measurements below recommended levels indicate the need for lamp replacement, fixture cleaning, or fixture upgrade. ### 10. Arc Flash Label Verification NEC 110.16 requires arc flash hazard warning labels on all panels, switchboards, motor control centers, and other equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized. Annual verification includes: - Confirming labels are present on all required equipment - Verifying labels are legible and not damaged - Checking that label information is current (labels should be updated after any system modification that changes available fault current) - Verifying that appropriate PPE is available for workers who may need to work on or near energized equipment A full arc flash study (per NFPA 70E) should be performed whenever the electrical system is significantly modified (service upgrade, transformer change, utility changes) and at least every 5 years. ## Documentation Requirements A maintenance program is only as good as its documentation. Maintain the following records: **Maintenance logs:** Date of every maintenance activity, who performed it, what was done, and what was found. Use a standardized form or digital system for consistency. **Inspection records:** Results of every monthly, quarterly, and annual inspection. Include pass/fail results, measurements, and photographs of any deficiencies. **Test results:** Emergency lighting test logs, generator test logs, fire alarm test reports, IR thermography reports, ground resistance test results, and transformer oil analysis reports. **Equipment inventory:** A complete inventory of all electrical equipment including panels, transformers, generators, transfer switches, UPS systems, and major loads. Include manufacturer, model, serial number, installation date, rated capacity, and maintenance history. **Corrective action records:** Documentation of every deficiency found and the corrective action taken, including date corrected, who performed the work, and permit numbers if applicable. Store documentation in a fireproof location or, preferably, in a cloud-based system accessible from any location. Maintain records for a minimum of 5 years, or longer if required by your insurance policy or industry regulations. ## In-House vs. Professional Maintenance Not every maintenance task requires a licensed electrician. Understanding the division helps you budget effectively and ensure safety. **Tasks facility staff can perform:** - Monthly visual inspections (all 10 items on the monthly checklist) - Emergency lighting 30-second monthly test - Exit sign visual checks - GFCI testing (press test/reset) - Surge protector status checks - Cord and plug inspections - Energy consumption monitoring - Maintaining clearances in electrical rooms - Documenting all inspections **Tasks requiring a licensed electrician:** - Annual breaker exercising - Connection torque verification - Panel modifications or repairs - Circuit troubleshooting - Any work requiring opening energized panels - Equipment installation or replacement - Grounding system testing - Infrared thermography (requires both the equipment and training to interpret results) - Any work requiring an electrical permit **Tasks requiring specialized contractors:** - Generator load bank testing (generator service company) - Fire alarm testing and inspection (licensed fire alarm contractor) - Transformer oil testing (testing laboratory) - Arc flash study (qualified electrical engineer) ## Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Attention Certain conditions indicate a potential emergency and should not wait for the next scheduled maintenance cycle. Train facility staff to recognize and report these immediately: - **Burning smell near any electrical equipment.** De-energize if safe to do so and contact an electrician. A burning smell indicates overheating insulation, which can lead to fire. - **Visible sparking or arcing.** Do not approach. Maintain distance, evacuate the area if necessary, and call for emergency service. - **Breakers that trip repeatedly.** A breaker that trips once may be a momentary overload. A breaker that trips repeatedly is protecting the circuit from an ongoing fault. Do not continue resetting it. Investigate the cause. - **Buzzing, crackling, or popping sounds from panels.** These sounds indicate arcing inside the panel. De-energize if safe and call an electrician. - **Warm or hot outlets, switches, or covers.** A warm device indicates a loose connection or overloaded circuit. Reduce load immediately and schedule repair. - **Discolored or melted outlets or switches.** Evidence of overheating. Replace immediately. - **Water near electrical equipment.** Water and electricity are a lethal combination. If water is entering an electrical room or contacting electrical equipment, de-energize the affected circuits and address the water intrusion before re-energizing. - **Electrical shock from equipment or surfaces.** Any shock, even a mild tingle, indicates a grounding fault. The affected equipment should be de-energized and the circuit investigated by a licensed electrician. ## Setting Up a Maintenance Contract For most commercial properties, a maintenance contract with a licensed electrical contractor is the most cost-effective approach to preventive maintenance. A well-structured contract ensures consistency, proper documentation, and professional expertise. **What a typical contract includes:** - Scheduled monthly or quarterly visual inspections by a licensed electrician - Annual comprehensive maintenance (breaker exercise, torque verification, IR scan) - Emergency lighting and exit sign testing and documentation - Priority scheduling for emergency service calls - Discounted labor rates for repairs and projects - Written reports after every visit - Maintenance of equipment inventory and history **Typical costs for commercial maintenance contracts:** | Building Size | Monthly Cost | Includes | |---|---|---| | Small commercial (under 5,000 sq ft) | $200 - $350 | Quarterly inspections, annual maintenance, emergency priority | | Medium commercial (5,000-20,000 sq ft) | $350 - $500 | Monthly inspections, quarterly testing, annual maintenance | | Large commercial (20,000-50,000 sq ft) | $500 - $800 | Monthly inspections, all quarterly tasks, annual maintenance, IR scan | | Multi-building or campus | $800 - $1,500+ | Comprehensive program customized to portfolio | **What to look for in a maintenance provider:** 1. Active Florida EC (Electrical Contractor) license verified through the DBPR website 2. Adequate insurance (general liability and workers' compensation) 3. Experience with your building type and size 4. Familiarity with local codes and inspection requirements 5. Ability to provide emergency service (24/7 availability for critical situations) 6. Willingness to provide detailed written reports 7. References from similar commercial clients 8. Staff trained in infrared thermography (Level I Thermographer certification minimum) 9. Staff trained in NFPA 70E electrical safety procedures ## Creating Your Maintenance Schedule Use this framework to build a maintenance calendar for your property: **Monthly (Facility Staff):** - Week 1: Emergency lighting 30-second test, exit sign check - Week 2: GFCI testing, cord and plug inspection - Week 3: Panel and electrical room visual inspection - Week 4: Outdoor lighting inspection, surge protector check **Quarterly (Facility Staff + Licensed Electrician):** - Month 3: Emergency lighting 30-minute test, fire alarm quarterly test - Month 6: Generator load test, UPS battery check, energy consumption review - Month 9: Emergency lighting 30-minute test, electrical room clearance audit - Month 12: Rolls into annual maintenance **Annually (Licensed Electrician + Specialists):** - Emergency lighting 90-minute discharge test - Full generator load bank test - Infrared thermography scan of all electrical equipment - Breaker exercise and connection torque verification - Grounding system testing - Fire alarm annual inspection (licensed fire alarm contractor) - Lighting level measurements - Arc flash label verification - Panel directory audit and update - Transformer oil testing (if applicable) The return on investment for a well-executed preventive maintenance program is substantial. A typical program costs $3,000-$8,000 annually for a medium-sized commercial building. A single avoided emergency service call, prevented equipment failure, or detected hazard can save multiples of that annual cost. For [preventive maintenance programs](/commercial/maintenance) tailored to your building type and operational requirements, or for [emergency commercial electrical service](/commercial/emergency-service) when urgent issues arise, working with an experienced [commercial electrical contractor](/commercial/electrical-services) in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg areas ensures your property is maintained to the highest professional standards.