How Often Should a Commercial Electrical System Be Inspected in Colorado?

Electrical systems are the backbone of every commercial property. From lighting and HVAC to equipment and IT infrastructure, everything depends on reliable power. But like any major system, your electrical setup needs regular inspection to stay safe and compliant with Colorado regulations.

So how often should you schedule a commercial electrical inspection? Let’s break it down by building type, use case, and local code expectations.

Why Regular Inspections Matter

Commercial buildings face higher electrical loads than residential spaces and often involve more complex wiring, panel systems, and emergency features. Regular inspections:

• Prevent unexpected equipment failures
• Help you catch small issues before they become hazards
• Support smoother permitting and renovations
• Ensure code compliance for insurance and safety

Colorado Guidelines for Commercial Electrical Inspections

There is no one-size-fits-all rule, but here are general best practices for inspection frequency in Colorado:

Annual inspections are recommended for:

• Restaurants and food service businesses
• Warehouses and light industrial spaces
• Medical clinics or buildings with sensitive equipment
• Buildings over 10,000 square feet

Every 2–3 years is common for:

• Retail stores and showrooms
• Multi-tenant office buildings
• General office spaces with standard electrical usage

Before or after any major change, such as:

• Equipment upgrades
• Tenant improvements or build-outs
• Repeated circuit trips or breaker panel issues
• Emergency lighting or exit sign failures

If your building is older than 20 years or has undergone multiple renovations, inspections may be required more often.

Inspections are not just a good idea — they are often required.

What Inspectors Look For

During a typical inspection, a licensed electrician or city inspector will evaluate:

• Electrical panel condition and labeling
• Load capacity and breaker sizing
• Outlet and circuit performance
• Emergency lighting and exit sign functionality
• GFCI protection where required
• Grounding and bonding
• Overall code compliance

They may also recommend upgrades to improve efficiency or prepare your building for new tenants.

Harmony Electric Makes It Easy

We work with commercial property owners, facility managers, and contractors across the Denver metro area to keep buildings safe and inspection ready. Our licensed electricians know Colorado code inside and out and can perform a full assessment of your system.

We provide:

• Inspection prep and walk-throughs
• Panel evaluations and circuit testing
• Emergency lighting checks
• Permitting and inspection coordination

Reach out to us today, request a quote or schedule your inspection with Harmony Electric today.