Commercial buildings in Maryland are subject to strict electrical codes designed to ensure the safety of tenants, employees, and visitors. Whether you’re managing an office complex, retail store, warehouse, or restaurant, staying compliant with the National Electrical Code (NEC) — along with Maryland-specific amendments — isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about protecting your business and preventing potential hazards like fires, equipment damage, or outages.
At Got Electric, we’ve served countless commercial clients across Maryland and have seen firsthand how common and preventable code violations can be. In this article, we’ll break down the top electrical code violations in Maryland commercial buildings, why they happen, and how you can fix or avoid them.
1. Improper Grounding and Bonding
Violation Overview:
Proper grounding and bonding are critical for electrical safety. We often find grounding conductors that are undersized, improperly installed, or missing entirely in older commercial properties.
Why It’s a Problem:
Without correct grounding, electrical surges can damage equipment or shock individuals. It also increases the risk of fires.
How to Avoid It:
Hire a licensed Maryland electrician to inspect your grounding systems. At Got Electric, we check bonding conductors, main service grounding, and subpanel configurations for full NEC compliance.
2. Overloaded Circuits and Panels
Violation Overview:
Commercial tenants often add more equipment or machinery than the panel was originally designed for, resulting in overloaded circuits.
Why It’s a Problem:
Overloads increase the risk of breaker tripping and overheating, potentially leading to electrical fires.
How to Avoid It:
Schedule a load calculation assessment. We recommend panel upgrades or load balancing if your building’s electrical demand has grown over time. This is especially important for restaurants, medical offices, and manufacturing spaces.
3. Open Junction Boxes and Exposed Wiring
Violation Overview:
Junction boxes without covers or exposed wiring are a common violation — often due to rushed renovations or poor DIY fixes.
Why It’s a Problem:
Exposed wiring can lead to arcing, electric shock, or shorts. It also violates NEC Article 300.15, which mandates that all splices must be contained in covered boxes.
How to Avoid It:
Have a licensed commercial electrician perform a walkthrough of your property. Got Electric routinely replaces damaged boxes and ensures that all junctions are properly enclosed.
4. Lack of GFCI or AFCI Protection in Required Areas
Violation Overview:
Many commercial spaces fail to have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in bathrooms, break rooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas — all of which are required by NEC.
Why It’s a Problem:
GFCIs are life-saving devices that shut off power when a ground fault is detected. Missing them in wet or damp locations is a serious safety concern.
How to Avoid It:
Install GFCI and AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in required locations. Got Electric can retrofit old outlets to bring your facility up to current code.
5. Inadequate Labeling of Panels and Breakers
Violation Overview:
Maryland inspectors frequently flag panels with missing or incorrect labeling — which is required under NEC Article 408.4.
Why It’s a Problem:
If an emergency occurs or maintenance is needed, unclear labeling wastes time and increases risk.
How to Avoid It:
Label all panel breakers accurately, with clear identification of the circuit’s purpose and room. Got Electric includes breaker labeling as part of our commercial inspection services.
6. Incorrect Wire Sizes for the Load
Violation Overview:
Using the wrong wire gauge for high-amperage appliances or circuits can create dangerous conditions.
Why It’s a Problem:
Undersized wiring overheats quickly, leading to insulation breakdown and fire risk.
How to Avoid It:
Always have a licensed electrician calculate load requirements and install wiring accordingly. If you’ve recently upgraded HVAC units, restaurant equipment, or server systems, you may need a wiring review.
7. Obstructed Electrical Panels
Violation Overview:
NEC requires at least 36 inches of clearance in front of electrical panels. However, in many commercial spaces, we find boxes blocked by shelving, filing cabinets, or storage.
Why It’s a Problem:
Blocked panels are dangerous during emergencies and are a major code violation.
How to Avoid It:
Keep the area around all electrical panels clear. This not only keeps you compliant but allows for safe and easy access in the event of a power issue or emergency shutdown.
8. DIY Electrical Work by Unlicensed Contractors
Violation Overview:
Unlicensed or unpermitted electrical work is one of the biggest code violations we encounter, especially in small businesses trying to save costs.
Why It’s a Problem:
DIY work often ignores key safety standards and can void insurance coverage or cause major compliance issues during inspections.
How to Avoid It:
Always use a licensed Maryland commercial electrician for any electrical installation, modification, or troubleshooting.
How to Ensure Your Building is Up to Code
Avoiding electrical code violations isn’t a one-time task — it’s a part of ongoing property maintenance and risk management. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections
We suggest an annual or bi-annual inspection, especially for older buildings or those with frequent tenant turnover.
2. Maintain a Code Compliance Log
Keep records of inspections, repairs, and upgrades to show compliance in case of city audits or insurance reviews.
3. Train Facility Managers
Ensure building managers or staff are aware of basic code requirements and know when to call in a professional.
4. Stay Informed About NEC Updates
The National Electrical Code is updated every three years. Working with a team like Got Electric ensures you stay compliant with the latest standards.
Need Help With Code Compliance in Maryland?
Whether you’ve received a violation notice or want to proactively avoid one, Got Electric is here to help. With over 50 years of combined experience and a reputation for high-quality work, we help Maryland businesses stay safe, up to code, and fully operational.
Our Commercial Electrical Services Include:
- Infrared Thermography Inspection
- Installation and Maintenance of Pole Lights
- Lighting for Security
- Installing Security Cameras
- Commercial and Retail Buildouts
Contact us today for a commercial electrical safety check or to get a quote for code violation corrections in Maryland.
With offices in Ijamsville, MD & Linville, VA, Got Electric offers residential and commercial electric work, including installation, safety inspections, repairs, lighting design, and troubleshooting.
Got Electric also specializes in solar Energy Projects. Our electricians are fully licensed by state and local jurisdiction, ensuring that your electrical projects will be installed to industry and code standards.
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