July 21, 2025

How Often Should a Commercial Building in Michigan Be Inspected Electrically?

Name: Winson Electric
Address: Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, USA
Telephone: (734) 590-0859

When managing a commercial property in Michigan—whether it’s a retail shop in downtown Ann Arbor, a medical facility in Brighton, or an office in Pinckney—keeping your electrical system up to date is more than just smart business practice. It’s essential for safety, code compliance, and insurance protection.

At Winson Electric, we help commercial property owners across southeastern Michigan stay ahead of electrical issues before they become dangerous or costly. Let’s break down how often your commercial building should undergo electrical inspections, what they involve, and why hiring a local commercial electrician in Ann Arbor, MI, is the best way to ensure your building stays compliant and safe.

Why Electrical Inspections Matter for Commercial Buildings

Electrical systems power your entire operation—from lighting and heating to production lines and security systems. Neglecting inspections can lead to:

Fire Hazards
Code Violations
Insurance Problems
Unplanned Downtime
Employee or Tenant Injuries

Let’s take a closer look at why inspections are essential for commercial properties in Michigan.

1. Fire Risk Prevention

Electrical malfunctions are one of the leading causes of commercial fires. In cold Michigan winters, when heating systems are under extra strain, the risk is even greater.

Regular inspections help identify and correct issues like:

Overloaded circuits
Worn insulation
Loose wiring or connections
Outdated panels

2. Code Compliance

The Michigan Electrical Code, based on the National Electrical Code (NEC), is updated regularly. Buildings that haven’t been inspected in years may no longer meet local or state requirements—opening the door to liability and penalties.

3. Insurance Requirements

Many commercial insurance providers require proof of regular electrical inspections. Without it, you may face:

Denied claims
Higher premiums
Canceled policies

A certified inspection from Winson Electric ensures you stay covered and compliant.

4. Business Continuity

Unexpected electrical failures lead to lost productivity, customer disruption, and expensive repairs. Preventive inspections catch issues early so your business runs without interruption.

5. Legal & Safety Responsibility

As a business or property owner, you’re legally responsible for providing a safe environment for employees, tenants, and customers. Routine inspections help you meet that obligation.

How Often Should Commercial Electrical Inspections Be Done?

There’s no universal schedule—but based on industry best practices and Michigan climate and regulations, here’s what we recommend:

Type of Commercial Property	Recommended Inspection Frequency
Office Buildings	Every 3 years
Retail Stores	Every 1–2 years
Restaurants & Commercial Kitchens	Annually
Industrial Facilities	Annually
Medical or Care Facilities	Annually

🔧 Older buildings (20+ years), high electrical usage, or recent renovations may require more frequent inspections.

Signs You May Need an Inspection Sooner

Watch for these red flags in your commercial building:

Flickering or dimming lights
Frequent breaker trips
Discolored, hot, or buzzing outlets
Burning smells near panels or wires
Recent equipment upgrades or increased electrical demand
Following storms, surges, or flooding

If you notice any of these, call Winson Electric in Pinckney, MI for a prompt evaluation.

What’s Included in a Commercial Electrical Inspection?

When you hire Winson Electric, your inspection includes:

🔎 Visual examination of wiring, outlets, and fixtures

📋 Testing of circuit breakers, fuses, and electrical panels

🌐 Grounding and bonding checks

💡 Emergency lighting and signage review

🔌 Load assessment vs. usage

📸 Thermal imaging to detect hidden hot spots

You’ll receive a detailed inspection report with recommendations and documentation for compliance or insurance purposes.

Michigan Electrical Code: Key Requirements

Some Michigan-specific electrical requirements include:

Proper GFCI/AFCI protection
Clearly labeled service panels
Accessible emergency disconnects
Industrial or kitchen-grade wiring in appropriate areas

Failing to meet these standards can result in failed inspections or fines.

Why Work with a Local Commercial Electrician in Ann Arbor, MI?

Unlike national chains, Winson Electric is a locally owned and operated electrical contractor serving Pinckney, Ann Arbor, Brighton, and surrounding areas.

Here’s why that matters:

✅ Fast Response Times
We’re nearby, which means quicker service—especially in emergencies.

✅ Familiarity with Michigan Codes
We stay up to date with state and local building code changes.

✅ Weather-Specific Knowledge
We understand the electrical strain Michigan winters can cause.

✅ Long-Term Support
Need an emergency repair in the winter or a lighting upgrade in the summer? We’re always here.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Electrician

When selecting a commercial electrician in Brighton or Ann Arbor, ask:

Are you licensed and insured in Michigan?
Do you provide inspection documentation for insurance?
Are you familiar with businesses like mine?
Do you offer thermal imaging or advanced diagnostics?
Can you provide maintenance plans?
How quickly can you respond to emergencies?

Winson Electric answers “yes” to all of the above.

Schedule Your Next Electrical Inspection Today

Don’t wait until you experience a failure, fire, or failed inspection to take action. Proactive maintenance can save you thousands—and give you peace of mind.

At Winson Electric, we offer expert commercial electrical inspections tailored to businesses in Ann Arbor, Pinckney, Brighton, and across Livingston and Washtenaw Counties.