Common Business Electrical Violations and How Suncoast Energy Can Help

As a business owner in Los Angeles, ensuring your property meets fire and electrical safety codes is critical—not only to avoid fines and citations but to protect your employees, customers, and assets. Electrical systems are a significant focus during fire department audits, and even minor violations can lead to severe consequences, such as penalties, increased insurance costs, or worse, fire hazards.

At Suncoast Energy, we specialize in identifying and resolving electrical issues that could lead to citations or safety risks. Below are the most common electrical violations businesses face during fire department audits, along with the California Electrical Code (CEC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and California Fire Code (CFC) references to ensure compliance.

1. Overloaded Circuits

Overloading circuits is one of the most common fire hazards. This occurs when too many appliances or devices are connected to one circuit, causing it to overheat, which is a violation of CEC 220.40 and NEC 220.42.

How We Help:

We’ll assess the electrical load on your circuits to ensure your system is properly sized. If needed, we can install additional circuits to balance the load and prevent overload, keeping your system compliant and safe.

2. Improper Use of Extension Cords

Extension cords are for temporary use only, yet many businesses use them as permanent wiring, which violates CFC Section 605.5 and NEC 400.8. Extension cords that are overloaded or improperly placed can lead to overheating and fires.

How We Help:

We can install additional outlets and eliminate the need for extension cords used as permanent wiring solutions. This will help you stay compliant with NEC and CEC regulations and improve safety.

3. Exposed or Damaged Wiring

Exposed or damaged wiring is a serious safety hazard that violates CEC 110.12(B), NEC 110.12(B), and CFC Section 605.6. These wires are prone to sparks, which can ignite nearby materials and cause fires.

How We Help:

Our licensed electricians will inspect your wiring system for any damage or exposure. We’ll repair or replace faulty wiring to bring your system up to code and ensure safety for your business.

4. Missing or Damaged Panel Covers and Dead Front Covers

Breaker panels and electrical boxes need to have intact and complete panel covers and dead front covers to protect against accidental contact with live energized parts. Missing or damaged covers violate CEC 110.27, NEC 110.27, and CFC Section 605.3.

What Are Electrical Panel Covers and Dead Front Covers?

Panel Covers: The outer covers of electrical panels that prevent direct access to internal wiring and components.

Dead Front Covers: The interior covers inside the panel that prevent accidental contact with live electrical parts when the panel is opened.

How We Help:

We ensure that all electrical panels in your building have intact panel covers and dead front covers. If any covers are missing or damaged, we can order and replace them to restore the safety and compliance of your system.

5. Non-Functioning Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCIs are required in areas where electricity and water come into contact, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas. Missing or non-functioning GFCIs violate CEC 210.8, NEC 210.8, and CFC Section 605.9.

How We Help:

We will test and install new GFCI outlets where required to ensure your business is compliant. This reduces the risk of electrical shock and meets the safety standards set by both CEC and NEC.

6. Improper Breaker Panel Maintenance

Breaker panels need to be accessible, clearly labeled, and free from obstructions. A poorly maintained or obstructed breaker panel violates CEC 110.26, NEC 110.26, and CFC Section 605.3.1.

How We Help:

We’ll inspect your breaker panels to ensure they’re properly maintained, clearly labeled, and accessible. Maintaining your panels according to code is critical for both everyday use and emergency situations.

7. Missing or Incorrect Panel Labeling

Proper panel labeling is crucial for identifying circuits during maintenance or emergencies. Missing or incorrect labeling violates CEC 408.4(A), NEC 408.4(A), and CFC 605.3, as it delays emergency response and increases the risk of mistakes.

How We Help:

We’ll ensure that every circuit in your breaker panel is clearly labeled according to code. Proper labeling helps your staff and emergency responders act quickly and accurately in case of an emergency.

8. Use of Unapproved Electrical Equipment

Using electrical equipment that hasn’t been approved by certified safety organizations like UL violates CFC Section 605.7 and NEC 110.3(B). Unapproved equipment can malfunction or fail to meet safety standards, increasing the risk of fire or shock.

How We Help:

We will evaluate your equipment to ensure it’s UL-certified or meets other necessary safety standards. If we find unapproved equipment, we’ll recommend certified replacements that comply with CEC and NEC regulations.

9. Inadequate Electrical Panel Clearance

According to CEC 110.26(A) and NEC 110.26(A), electrical panels must have a minimum of 36 inches of clear space in front of them to allow for safe access. Storing materials too close to electrical panels can obstruct access and lead to a citation.

How We Help:

We’ll inspect your electrical panels to ensure they have the proper clearance. Keeping a clutter-free area around electrical panels is essential for safety, especially during emergency repairs or inspections.

10. Outdated or Faulty Breakers

Older electrical panels and circuit breakers, such as Zinsco or Pushmatic models, have a history of malfunctioning and are no longer compliant with modern safety standards. Outdated or faulty breakers violate CEC 240.83 and NEC 240.83.

How We Help:

We can replace outdated or unreliable breakers with modern, code-compliant models. This will not only keep your business safe but also help you avoid citations during fire department audits.

11. Improper Electrical Grounding

Proper grounding is critical for safety. Improper electrical grounding violates CEC 250.4(A), NEC 250.4(A), and creates serious fire and shock risks.

How We Help:

Our electricians will inspect your grounding system to ensure it meets all necessary safety standards. If there are any issues, we’ll make the required repairs or adjustments to ensure compliance.

12. Failure to Conduct Regular Electrical Inspections

Routine inspections are necessary to identify and fix potential hazards before they lead to violations or safety issues. Neglecting inspections violates CEC 110.3(A) and NEC 110.3(A).

How We Help:

We offer regular electrical inspections to ensure your business stays compliant and safe. Our proactive approach will help you avoid citations and minimize the risk of electrical failures or fire.

Stay Compliant and Safe with Suncoast Energys help.

At Suncoast Energy Inc. , we’re experts in ensuring your business’s electrical system is safe, compliant, and ready for any fire department inspection. Our licensed electricians have the knowledge and experience to help you avoid costly violations and protect your business from electrical hazards.

Contact us today to schedule an electrical inspection or consultation, and let us ensure your business is up to code!