While electricity is a modern-day essential in homes and businesses throughout Niceville and surrounding areas, it must be controlled to avoid safety issues and property damage. Building codes are in place to reduce the likelihood of an electrical fire, overheating and even electrocutions and shocks. One of the safety features that may be required for your property is a disconnect switch. This important safety feature is also recommended in many instances even if the code does not require it.
How a Disconnect Switch Works
Your property’s circuit breaker box turns off the electricity to the entire property. A disconnect switch controls the power to one area, such as a specific appliance or machine. When the disconnect switch is engaged, power to the rest of the property is unaffected. To engage the disconnect switch, you will pull a basic handle or use a more advanced control system.
Why Does Your Property Need a Disconnect Switch?
A disconnect switch serves several key functions for both residential and commercial properties. With a closer look at its core utility, you can decide if a disconnect switch would benefit your property.
Local Building Codes
While new buildings must pass a code inspection before they can be occupied, building codes change. As a result, your property may no longer conform to the latest safety codes. You can most easily determine if a disconnect switch is required for your property by researching the requirements or consulting with a licensed electrician.
Electrical Power Control
Some property owners will choose to install a disconnect switch even if it is not required by local building codes. The ability to control electrical power to a specific area or feature without shutting off the power supply in other areas is essential in many situations. It can minimize interruption to your family’s daily life or your business’s activities.
Safety Hazards
In the event of an electrocution, an electrical fire or another similar event, the ability to shut off the power supply immediately is critical and can save lives. It can also reduce the severity of property damage and damage to other machines and equipment nearby.
When to Install a Disconnect Switch
If you learn that a disconnect switch is required by local building codes, the installation service should be booked soon. Many properties will benefit from disconnect switch installation even when the building codes do not apply to them. When should you consider installing this electrical safety feature?
To Protect Property and People
Emergency situations seemingly develop out of the blue, but that does not mean that you cannot prepare for them. Both at home and at work, the ability to shut the electricity off is critical in certain situations. With a disconnect switch installed, you can reduce personal injury risks, minimize damage and potentially save lives.
When Making Property Improvements
At certain stages of a new addition or remodeling project, the construction crew must turn off the power to the property. Without a disconnect switch, power supply to the entire building may be affected. With a disconnect switch, however, the crew can work safely without interfering with access to electricity throughout the other areas of the building.
To Provide a Safer Workplace
Commercial machinery and equipment require special training and skills, but even the most skilled workers can still be injured. A disconnect switch gives you the ability to immediately turn the power off to a specific machine if a situation develops. In addition to being an essential safety feature, a disconnect switch can also minimize the risk of damage to the building and other equipment nearby.
Schedule Service with Mister Sparky Today
We proudly serve residential and commercial customers in Niceville and surrounding areas. To schedule service with one of our licensed electricians, book an appointment via phone or online today.