If you own or manage a commercial property in Winnipeg, you’re responsible for more than just paying the power bill—you’re also responsible for keeping your electrical system safe, reliable, and up to code.
But how often should that system be tested?
At Edison Electric, we get this question a lot. And while there’s no single answer for every building, there are some industry best practices and Manitoba-specific considerations to help you stay ahead of potential risks and avoid costly downtime.
🔍 Why Test Your Commercial Electrical System?
Routine testing can help you:
- Prevent electrical fires and system failures
- Identify overloaded circuits or outdated wiring
- Extend the life of your equipment
- Remain compliant with insurance or safety regulations
- Keep your employees, tenants, or customers safe
🧯 General Guideline: Every 1 to 3 Years
For most commercial spaces in Manitoba, we recommend testing your electrical system every 1 to 3 years, depending on:
- Age of the building
- Type of business operations (e.g. offices vs. industrial)
- Electrical load and usage
- History of issues or repairs
If you run a high-demand facility (like manufacturing, data centers, or restaurants), annual testing is highly recommended.
🧰 What Should Be Tested?
A proper electrical test should include:
- Panel and breaker inspections
- Load balancing and circuit testing
- Infrared thermal scans to detect overheating
- Grounding and bonding verification
- Emergency and exit lighting systems
- GFCI and AFCI outlet testing
- Surge protection and backup systems
- Arc flash hazard analysis (for industrial settings)
At Edison Electric, our commercial inspections are thorough, code-compliant, and customized to your building’s needs.
📜 Are There Legal or Insurance Requirements?
Yes! Many insurance providers require documented electrical inspections every 1–5 years to maintain coverage.
Property managers are also expected under Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health guidelines to maintain safe electrical systems in shared or occupied spaces.
🧑🔧 How Edison Electric Helps
We provide:
✅ Scheduled electrical testing and inspections
✅ Full reporting for insurance and compliance
✅ Proactive maintenance to prevent outages
✅ Upfront quotes with no surprise charges
✅ Professional electricians who show up on time and explain everything
✅ Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for a power outage or a failed inspection to find out something’s wrong.
A routine electrical system test is an investment in safety, uptime, and peace of mind.
📞 Ready to schedule your next commercial inspection? Contact Edison Electric.
