Let us hit you with a little electrical wisdom: Just because the lights turn on doesn’t mean the place is ready to power your business. Luno Electrical has seen it all. And when it comes to commercial leases, one thing we keep running into is this: clients sign the lease, move in their equipment, and then get the shock of their lives. (Pun absolutely intended.)
So let’s talk about why getting a commercial electrical inspection before you sign a lease might just save your business, your budget, and your sanity.
Real Shocks from the Real World
Picture this. A client calls us up, all excited about their new leased commercial space. They’re ready to install some shiny new equipment and get cracking. We rock up to do the job, do our standard electrical system check, and… ZAP. Not literally, thank goodness. But we find the switchboard is about as ready to handle their new equipment as a toddler is to drive a forklift.
If they turned on everything at once, the whole thing would shut down faster than your laptop during a Windows update. The solution? A complete electrical system upgrade. The catch? The landlord said, “No thanks.” The tenant had to foot the bill. Ouch.
Or how about this beauty: we came in to quote a job for a new tenant and found something weird. The next-door business — owned by the same landlord — was getting their power from our client’s switchboard. Talk about a freeloading neighbour. Our client ended up having to sort it out before installing their equipment.
Commercial leases can come with surprises. And not the good kind like free muffins in the break room.
Why You Need a Pre-Lease Electrical Inspection
Here’s the deal. A commercial space can look perfect. Great lighting, spacious layout, exposed brick walls for that trendy industrial vibe. But the electrical system? It might still be living in the ’80s — and not the cool neon fashion part.
Getting a licensed electrician to inspect the space before you sign the lease could save you from:
- Costly upgrades you didn’t budget for
- Power outages that fry your equipment or productivity
- Lease disputes with landlords
- Having to explain to your staff why the coffee machine blew up again
Think of it like dating. You wouldn’t propose before meeting the in-laws. So don’t sign a lease before meeting the switchboard!
What Luno Checks (AKA: The “Avoid a Meltdown” Checklist)
When we say inspection, we don’t mean we’ll flick a few switches and say “looks good, mate.” Here’s a sample of what we actually check:
- Switchboard Health: Is it in good condition, or hanging on by a cable tie?
- Main Power Supply: We check the mains coming into the switchboard for integrity and capacity. If your gear needs serious juice, we’ll make sure the site’s got it.
- Shared Circuits: Is someone else plugged into your power? We’ll sniff it out.
- Machinery Compatibility: We assess whether the site can actually handle the machinery you want to install.
- Powerpoints & Fittings: Old buildings often come with tired fittings that need love (or a total replacement).
- Overall Electrical Suitability: We’ll give it to you straight. If it’s a no-go, we’ll say so. Nicely, but firmly.
We find a lot of problems in older buildings especially. One place had cabling that looked like spaghetti from a 1972 dinner party. Not ideal.
So, invite us around for an inspection. It could save you a small fortune.
What Could Go Wrong? So Glad You Asked.
Let’s say you skip the inspection. You sign the lease, get the keys, move in your high-end equipment, plug it all in… and BOOM. Or worse – nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Because your shiny gear draws more power than the old system can give.
You’ll end up:
- Paying for emergency upgrades
- Having awkward landlord conversations
- Waiting weeks for new cabling
- Learning way more about electrical phases than you ever wanted to
One client tried to run a production line and the system tapped out like a wrestler in a headlock. Not pretty.
But Who Pays for This Stuff?
Great question. Sometimes the landlord does. Sometimes the tenant does. Sometimes it’s a negotiation.
But here’s the catch: if you sign the lease without checking, you’re usually stuck with it. No takebacks. That’s why an inspection BEFORE you sign is crucial. Know what you’re walking into so you can negotiate from a place of knowledge — and ideally, avoid paying for someone else’s 30-year-old electrical mess.
Compliance is No Laughing Matter (Even if We Are)
All jokes aside, commercial electrical systems need to comply with Australian standards. An inspection ensures your site is safe, legal, and won’t leave you dealing with surprise fines or failures down the track.
We won’t bore you with the reg numbers (unless you really want us to), but rest assured, we know them better than most people know their Netflix passwords.
Call Luno Before You Commit
We’re not just a bunch of sparkies with tool belts and coffee addictions. We’re:
- Registered Master Electricians
- Always on time (seriously)
- Always clean up after ourselves (your mum would approve)
- Backed by over 160 5-star Google reviews
We’ll give you the low-down on your future property so you can make a smart decision. Or at least avoid the kind that requires re-cabling an entire warehouse.
Final Thoughts: Power Up, Don’t Power Down
Before you get all amped up about your new lease, let Luno take a look. A quick inspection now can save you a mountain of hassle later.
Because the only time you want to be in the dark is at the movies.
Call us. Or get a free Quote. We’ll check it out. And we might even tell you another dad joke while we’re at it.
