Severe weather often hits the Pacific Northwest with heavy rain and high winds. When a big storm moves through Pierce County, it can leave local companies in the dark. A business without power loses money every hour the doors stay closed. Beyond the loss of lights, storms can cause hidden damage to wires and equipment. Finding a reliable storm damage electrician in Tacoma is the first step toward getting back to work safely.
Common Electrical Problems After a Tacoma Storm
High winds often blow branches onto power lines. This can cause more than just a simple outage. Sometimes the wind pulls the service mast away from the building. The service mast is the pipe that carries wires into your shop or office. If this is bent or loose, your power might not come back on even when the utility company fixes the main lines.
Water is another big problem for businesses during a storm. Heavy rain can leak into outdoor fuse boxes or underground conduits. When water mixes with electricity, it causes shorts and corrosion. This damage might not show up right away, but it can lead to fires later.
Hidden Hazards in Your Electrical System
Water and Moisture Damage
Flood water or leaks can get into your outlets and switches. If your business has any water near electrical parts, you should not turn the power back on yet. Moisture can ruin the insulation on your wires. It can also cause rust inside your service panel. A professional inspection helps find these wet spots before they cause a shock or a fire.
Power Surges and Equipment Failure
When the grid goes down and then comes back on, it often sends a surge of high voltage through the wires. This surge can fry expensive computers, machinery, and lighting controls. If your lights flicker or your machines act strangely after a storm, shut off power immediately and call a pro, as these signs often point to loose connections or surge damage. Protecting these tools with surge protectors and inspections is vital for your daily operations.
Essential Repairs for Business Continuity
Getting your business running again requires a plan. You need to make sure every part of your system is safe for your employees and customers. Hiring a storm damage electrician in Tacoma ensures that your repairs meet local safety codes.
Service Panel and Circuit Inspection
The electrical panel is the heart of your business. If a storm caused a surge, the breakers inside might be damaged. A pro will check each circuit to see if it can still handle the load. They look for burn marks, loose connections, and signs of heat. Replacing a damaged panel is much cheaper than dealing with a fire.
Generator Safety and Maintenance
Many Tacoma businesses use generators to keep the power on. However, using a generator incorrectly is dangerous. It can send power back into the main lines and hurt utility workers. After a storm, you should have your generator and its transfer switch checked. This ensures your backup power is ready for the next event.
Long-Term Fixes for Weather Protection
It is better to be ready for a storm before it happens. You can install dedicated circuits for your most important gear. This helps prevent overloads when things get hectic. You can also add whole-building surge protection and weatherproof enclosures if your machinery needs reliable power. Upgrading your service panel now with a storm damage electrician in Tacoma can help it survive the next high-wind event.
Smart lighting controls are another great tool. They can help you save energy while providing clear paths during an emergency. These systems often have battery backups that keep some lights on even when the main power fails.
Why Professional Help Matters for Commercial Safety
Electricity is dangerous, especially after a natural disaster. You should never try to fix a downed wire or a wet panel yourself. Professionals have the right tools and training to handle high-voltage systems. They also understand the specific rules for businesses in your area.
Hiring a qualified storm damage electrician in Tacoma gives you peace of mind. You will know that your building is safe for everyone who enters. A licensed team will also provide the paperwork you might need for insurance claims. This helps you get reimbursed for the costs of the repairs.
Related Articles:
- Expert Generator Maintenance for Pierce County Storm Season
- Tacoma Generator Maintenance: Protect Your Home in Storms
Hire Your Expert Storm Damage Electrician in Tacoma
Straight Up Electrical is a company that values honesty and quality. We believe in being straight up with our neighbors in the community. Our team has the experience to handle everything from service panel upgrades to fire alarm systems. We know that your business depends on reliable power to succeed.
If your property was hit by the recent December winds, we are ready to help. Our technicians provide emergency support to get your lights back on. We offer clear pricing and financing options to help manage repair costs.
When you need a storm damage electrician in Tacoma, you can count on our crew to do the job right the first time. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and move your project forward.