Expert advice for Clifton Park businesses from Eric Gandler Clifton Park

Power surges and electrical grid issues are becoming more frequent across the country—especially in regions with rapid development, aging infrastructure, and extreme weather. For commercial buildings in Clifton Park and the Capital Region, even a momentary surge can cause major disruptions, damage equipment, or shut down operations.

The good news? A few proactive electrical upgrades can protect your business from costly downtime. Here, Eric Gandler, a highly trusted commercial electrician serving Clifton Park, explains how businesses can prepare for power surges, grid instability, and unexpected outages.

⚡ Why Businesses Need to Prepare for Power Surges

A power surge is a sudden spike in electrical voltage. Surges can come from inside your building or from the utility grid—and they happen more often than most business owners realize.

Common causes of surges include:

  • Lightning strikes

  • Utility grid fluctuations

  • Downed power lines

  • Faulty transformers

  • Large equipment turning on/off

  • HVAC systems cycling

  • Internal wiring issues

While some surges are small, repeated exposure can silently damage equipment over time.

At-risk systems include:

  • Computers and servers

  • POS and payment systems

  • Refrigeration and HVAC

  • LED lighting systems

  • Security cameras and alarms

  • Medical or industrial equipment

That’s why surge protection is one of the most essential items for electrical safety.

⚡ 1. Install Whole-Building Surge Protection

This is the most effective way to protect your business from grid-related surges.

Whole-building surge protectors:

  • Are installed at your main electrical panel

  • Stop high-voltage spikes before they reach sensitive equipment

  • Protect your entire building, not just individual outlets

  • Reduce repair and replacement costs

Commercial-grade surge protection is especially important in areas with seasonal storms—like Clifton Park, where lightning, wind, and snow-related damage frequently disrupt the grid.

⚡ 2. Add Surge Protection at the Equipment Level

Even with a whole-building protector, high-value systems should also have point-of-use protection.

Examples include:

  • Surge-protected power strips for computers

  • Surge receptacles for POS systems

  • Dedicated surge devices for HVAC units

  • Protection for industrial machinery

Layered protection dramatically reduces the risk of equipment damage.

⚡ 3. Use Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for Critical Systems

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) keeps essential equipment running during short outages and protects against sudden shutdowns.

Ideal for:

  • Servers and networking equipment

  • Telecommunication systems

  • Medical devices

  • Security systems

  • Cash registers and POS systems

A UPS also conditions incoming power, smoothing out fluctuations and providing stable voltage.

⚡ 4. Ensure Your Generator Is Ready for Anything

If your business has a backup generator, it must be maintained properly—especially heading into storm season.

Generator readiness checklist:

  • Test-run monthly

  • Check fuel quality and levels

  • Verify battery health

  • Inspect and replace block heaters if needed

  • Confirm that automatic transfer switches work properly

  • Schedule annual professional maintenance

Eric Gandler often finds that generators fail during outages simply because they were never tested beforehand.

⚡ 5. Have Your Electrical System Evaluated for Weak Points

A professional electrical diagnostic can identify vulnerabilities long before they cause problems.

Diagnostics can reveal:

  • Overloaded circuits

  • Loose connections

  • Undersized wiring

  • Failing breakers

  • Unprotected equipment

  • Panel issues

  • Voltage irregularities

These hidden issues often worsen during grid fluctuations, making a diagnostic one of the smartest preventative measures a business can take.

⚡ 6. Create a Power Outage Response Plan

Every business should have a written plan that includes:

  • How to safely shut down equipment

  • Who to contact in case of electrical emergencies

  • Backup communication methods

  • Procedures for reopening after an outage

  • Generator operation instructions

A quick, organized response can prevent equipment damage and reduce downtime.

🔧 How Eric Gandler Helps Clifton Park Businesses Stay Protected

Local expert Eric Gandler offers full surge protection and grid-readiness services, including:

  • Whole-building surge protection installation

  • UPS system consultation and setup

  • Generator integration and maintenance

  • Panel upgrades and dedicated circuits

  • Electrical diagnostics and load testing

  • Winter and storm preparedness assessments

His experience keeps Clifton Park businesses secure, stable, and ready for unexpected grid issues.

Final Thoughts

Power surges and grid problems aren’t a matter of if—they’re a matter of when. By taking proactive steps now, your business can avoid costly equipment failures, protect valuable systems, and keep operations running smoothly even during electrical instability.

For Clifton Park business owners, Eric Gandler Clifton Park is a trusted resource for surge protection, diagnostics, and commercial electrical reliability.