Whether you are building a brand new home or building a commercial building, there are a number of important electrical factors that need to be addressed. By taking the time to properly plan and manage the electrical aspects of the project, you can ensure that it will run smoothly and safely for years to come.
Obtaining the Right Permits
Obtaining the right permits is an important part of any renovation project in Chicago. It helps to ensure that the work is performed in accordance with local and national standards, which in turn decreases the risk of problems down the road.
When it comes to obtaining the right permits, there are several different options. Some are more streamlined than others, and it’s recommended that you apply for a permit as early as possible in order to avoid any delays or complications down the line.
The process is designed to protect the safety of building occupants and the health of everyone involved in construction, renovation and repairs. It’s also designed to help reduce energy costs by ensuring that systems are properly installed and functioning.
All new installations, major repairs and modifications to the electrical system of a structure require a permit from the Department of Buildings. This will ensure that the project complies with the City of Chicago’s building codes and is safe for the occupants of the property.
Creating a Functional Electrical System
One of the most important things to remember is that a well-designed and installed electrical system can make your building more energy efficient and safer for occupants. The best part about a quality electrical system is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be effective. Thankfully, there are plenty of professionals around to take care of all your electrical needs. The key is choosing the right company to do it for you. If you’re considering a new construction or renovation, be sure to call a qualified electrician for a consultation and check out the city’s free electrical inspection program to get the green light on your next project.
Creating a Safe Work Environment
It’s important to create a safe work environment for electrical installation in new construction. This can protect crew members from serious injuries and even death, prevent delays in the builders schedule and over budget, and minimize legal claims by workers and their families if electrical accidents occur.
One way to do this is by building a safety culture into the workplace. This means getting all staff to follow proper PPE protocols, including wearing hardhats and insulating gloves.
Also, ensure the electrical outlets are properly insulated and have ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) installed. A GFCI outlet can interrupt electricity if a ground fault occurs and help protect workers from electrocution or serious burns.
It’s also vital to keep cords from becoming damaged during manual material handling. Damaged wires can become live and pose a serious electrical hazard.
Creating a Reliable Electrical System
The electrical system is an essential part of a building, and it must be reliable. This ensures that occupants are not exposed to electrical shock, and that they are protected from fire hazards.
The process of designing a reliable electrical system involves several stages. First, the architect or designer must understand the scope of the project. Next, he or she must define the components (general office areas, special machinery, power distribution equipment) according to industry standards.
Once these elements have been defined, the designer must arrange them together to form the final presentation of the electrical design.
The system must be sized properly, to ensure that it can safely carry the load of the electrical devices and appliances in the building. This is a complex process, and it requires a detailed electrical load calculation.