5 Ways To Fix Lighting Installation Errors

Business lighting fixtures can influence how customers feel and interact within your premises. For example, restaurants use warm and dim lighting to create a relaxing ambience and longer dining times. Meanwhile, offices opt for balanced, neutral lighting to maintain employee productivity. Although choosing the proper lighting may seem straightforward, many business owners underestimate its technical complexities. When these fixtures are installed without adequate planning, the consequences can be costly and lead to potential safety risks. With that in mind, this article explores proper lighting installation practices and explains how to avoid common, costly mistakes. Practical Ways to Prevent Lighting Installation Errors Lighting can make or break the atmosphere, safety, and efficiency of any commercial space. To ensure the best results, here are lighting installation oversights to avoid and practical ways to prevent them from happening: Plan the Lighting Layout Deciding the placement of fixtures without a thorough understanding of how the space is used is a common mistake in lighting installation. For example, a restaurant installs decorative lights but overlooks installing task lighting in the kitchen and pass-through areas, compromising staff safety. This is what happens when aesthetics takes precedence over function. Due to this prioritisation, many business owners regret not seeking professional advice from a licensed electrician. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to work with a professional who can assess the function of each zone and design a lighting layout that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Upgrade the Electrical Switch Board Another common mishap in commercial properties is installing a lighting system that’s connected to an outdated electrical switchboard. Common indicators of this problem include tripping circuits, flickering lights, and overheating wires. Many electrical inspections overlook lighting as the leading cause because it is not typically considered a high-risk component. If left unchecked, it could lead to devastating consequences, such as electrical fires and wasted investment. To address this problem, it’s recommended to schedule an electrical switchboard upgrade for improved safety. Install the Right Lighting Fixtures Most lighting problems occur when people use bulbs that don’t match the working environment. To maintain proper functionality, consider factors like fixture type, wattage, colour temperature, and IP rating when choosing a light bulb. For example, outdoor areas equipped with indoor-rated fixtures are prone to malfunction due to environmental conditions. As such, the lack of technical understanding is often to blame. This is also the reason why licensed electricians recommend seeking advice for a safe and compliant lighting installation. These professionals can help verify system compatibility and ensure safety compliance with the wiring infrastructure. Hire Certified Electricians Installing the lights with the help of an unlicensed electrician may save you some money, but it does put you at risk. Those flickering lights and burnt switches can lead to more costly damage like safety hazards, voided warranties, and potential insurance invalidation. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to hire a certified local electrician near you. In particular, it’s best to reach out to an expert who is familiar with commercial wiring, regulatory compliance, and other types of electrical work. This helps you save more in the long run rather than paying for costly repairs later. Do Regular Electrical Maintenance Another mistake of getting lighting installed is treating it as a one-time event. For instance, many businesses install new fixtures but overlook regular cleaning, system checks, or upgrades. Neglect in this area can lead to dimmer lights and wasted energy over time. In fact, the DCCEEW Australian Government reports that commercial establishments are responsible for approximately 25% of overall electricity usage. This emphasises the extent of energy consumption of businesses. That’s why establishments are expected to maintain performance standards to ensure safety, accessibility, and sustainability. To ensure regulations are met, business owners are required to periodically obtain electrical services with the help of professionals near them. Get Professional Installation Services Today Lighting can make or break the space of any commercial establishment. In addition to stimulating customers’ perceptions, it also provides a safe environment within the premises. By avoiding mistakes such as poor planning or skipping maintenance, you can ensure that your lighting system operates efficiently and conserves energy. SolArk Electrical is a team of licensed electricians serving businesses of all sizes in Perth and Western Australia. Our range of commercial electrical services includes lighting installation, lighting design, safety inspections, and electrical maintenance. For more information, get in touch with us today! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are answers to frequently asked questions that highlight the importance of proper lighting installation: What are the risks of insufficient lighting? Insufficient lighting can lead to health issues, including eye strain, fatigue, and reduced visibility, making it difficult to perform tasks safely. Over time, poorly lit spaces can become prone to accidents, lower productivity, and an overall sense of discomfort or gloom. How to tell if a light fixture is wired correctly? A correctly wired light fixture should turn on smoothly without flickering, buzzing, or tripping the circuit breaker. If you notice irregular brightness, a burning smell, or loose switches, it’s best to have a local electrician near me inspect it for safety. Do you need an electrician to install a light fixture? Yes, you need the assistance of a qualified electrician to install lighting. These experts ensure your system is compliant with safety standards and capable of handling the load of your fixtures. Additionally, issues such as short circuits or overloading can be avoided, saving you from expensive repairs and potential hazards in the future.