Electrical Safety in Alaska’s Older Buildings: How Project Managers Help Owners and Facilities Reduce Risk

A licensed electrician evaluates aged wiring and panels to prevent electrical hazards in older Alaska facilities.

Across Alaska, many public and commercial buildings built in the 1960s through the 1990s are still in service today. These schools, municipal offices, and community facilities often operate with aging electrical systems that were never designed to handle modern loads or meet today’s safety standards. Electrical safety in these structures isn’t just a maintenance concern—it’s a critical life-safety and liability issue for owners and facilities departments.

When power distribution systems, breakers, or wiring reach the end of their service life, they can become fire hazards, cause outages, or endanger personnel. The path toward safety begins with awareness, assessment, and proactive project management.

Understanding the Risks in Alaska’s Aging Electrical Systems

Electrical infrastructure degrades over time, especially under Alaska’s harsh conditions. Temperature fluctuations, moisture, corrosion, and rodent activity can compromise insulation and wiring. Older systems may also lack proper grounding or overcurrent protection. Common risks include:

• Outdated breaker panels with limited fault protection.

• Aluminum wiring prone to expansion, contraction, and overheating.

• Missing arc-fault and ground-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI/GFCI).

• Overloaded branch circuits due to added equipment.

• Obsolete switchgear and transformer insulation.

These conditions are especially concerning in remote and rural facilities that rely on backup generators or have limited maintenance staff. Electrical failures can interrupt heating systems, water supplies, and critical communications during extreme weather—turning small issues into emergencies.

How Alaska’s Climate and Geography Complicate Electrical Safety

Alaska presents unique environmental challenges. High humidity near coasts, sub-zero temperatures inland, and remote logistics all strain electrical systems. Materials expand and contract with seasonal cycles, creating loose connections. Salt-laden air accelerates corrosion on exposed terminations and conduit fittings.

In remote regions, maintenance can be delayed for weeks or months until parts or electricians can arrive. These realities make preventive upgrades far more cost-effective than reactive repairs. A coordinated inspection and modernization plan led by experienced project managers helps owners stay ahead of failures.

Key Steps Toward Electrical Safety Modernization

Modernized electrical systems improve reliability and reduce hazards in Alaska’s older public buildings.

Improving electrical safety in older buildings requires a systematic approach that combines technical expertise and administrative planning. Fremontii-style project management focuses on these critical phases:

1. Conducting a Comprehensive Electrical Assessment

A qualified electrical engineer or contractor should inspect main panels, feeders, branch circuits, and grounding systems. Thermographic imaging can detect overheating connections before failure. Facility staff should document breaker labeling, panel conditions, and any unverified wiring modifications. Project managers then translate these findings into prioritized scopes of work and budgets.

2. Updating Panels, Feeders, and Grounding

Many older panels lack the fault current interrupting capacity required by modern codes. Replacement panels with properly rated breakers and surge protection reduce risk. Grounding and bonding upgrades ensure safe fault paths—essential in areas with permafrost or variable soil resistance.

3. Addressing Load Growth and Code Compliance

Modern buildings use far more electronics, IT equipment, and HVAC controls than their original designs anticipated. Electrical upgrades should include load analysis, panel capacity checks, and arc-fault/ground-fault protection. Project managers ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Alaska-specific amendments, coordinating with local inspectors and utility providers.

4. Implementing Safety Controls and Monitoring

Installing monitoring systems and surge suppression protects sensitive electronics and mechanical systems. Smart meters and building automation integration can alert staff to faults or load imbalances. For facilities in remote locations, remote monitoring reduces emergency callouts and keeps essential systems operational.

The Role of Project Managers in Electrical Safety Upgrades

Project managers act as the bridge between technical design and operational needs. In Alaska, this role is especially critical due to short construction seasons and long procurement timelines. Their responsibilities include:

• Coordinating assessments and design services.

• Managing bid and procurement schedules.

• Tracking budgets, submittals, and permits.

• Ensuring code compliance and quality control.

• Overseeing safety documentation and training.

Because electrical work often intersects with mechanical, IT, and architectural systems, an experienced project manager ensures these interfaces are coordinated. They help facilities teams plan upgrades in phases—minimizing downtime while maximizing safety improvements.

Funding and Planning Considerations for Alaska Owners

Electrical safety improvements can often qualify for capital improvement funds, deferred maintenance programs, or energy efficiency grants. Owners should document deficiencies clearly through condition assessments and cost estimates. Having a project manager prepare a comprehensive scope supports funding applications and agency reviews.

For public entities, integrating these upgrades into six-year CIP plans ensures systematic progress and transparent budgeting. For private owners, aligning electrical modernization with planned remodels or HVAC upgrades reduces mobilization costs.

Training, Documentation, and Long-Term Maintenance

Once upgrades are complete, staff training is essential. Maintenance personnel should know how to reset breakers, recognize overheating, and interpret monitoring system alerts. Updated one-line diagrams, panel schedules, and arc-flash labels must be posted on site. Periodic infrared scans and torque checks extend equipment life and verify safety performance.

Conclusion: Building Safer Facilities for Alaska’s Future

Electrical safety in older Alaskan buildings demands a proactive, managed approach. With decades-old systems still in operation, the risks of inaction far outweighs the cost of modernization.

By partnering with experienced owners representatives and project managers, owners and facilities departments can ensure that upgrades are planned, funded, and executed safely—protecting both people and property.