Electrical Work That Keeps Businesses Running

Arc Electric Inc provides commercial electrical services for retail, office, and multifamily properties in Butte, Montana.

When your storefront lighting stops working or a breaker trips every time your cooler compressor starts, the issue usually comes down to undersized circuits, worn contactors, or lighting systems that were never designed for the hours and conditions commercial spaces demand. Butte businesses operating in older buildings face additional challenges when original electrical systems have been patched repeatedly without a full assessment of current loads and code compliance.

Arc Electric Inc handles tenant build-outs, lighting retrofits, electrical upgrades for remodels, and ongoing service for retail stores, offices, hotels, warehouses, and multifamily properties. The work includes installing LED lighting, wiring signage, adding circuits for new equipment, and integrating smart controls that allow you to manage lighting and power schedules remotely. Every installation meets commercial code requirements and accounts for the operational needs of active businesses that cannot afford extended downtime.

Request commercial electrical service or project planning support in Butte to address wiring issues, upgrade your lighting, or prepare your space for new tenants or equipment.

What Happens During and After Installation

Your electrician will review your building layout, identify which circuits are overloaded, and determine whether your panel has capacity for additional breakers before starting any new installation. In Butte commercial spaces where the electrical system has been expanded over time without documentation, this often means tracing existing wiring, labeling circuits, and testing loads to confirm what each breaker actually controls.

After the work is finished, your new lighting will turn on reliably every morning, your circuits will handle the startup draw from refrigeration and HVAC equipment without tripping, and any smart controls will allow you to adjust lighting zones or schedules from your phone. If you installed LED retrofits, your monthly utility bills will drop noticeably because LEDs use a fraction of the power that older fluorescent or incandescent fixtures consume.

The electrician will also provide as-built documentation showing new circuit paths, panel schedules, and any changes made to meet code or accommodate future expansions. If your building requires a service upgrade to support additional load, that work includes coordinating with the utility, installing a larger meter base and panel, and verifying that the new service meets the requirements for your occupancy type and local inspection standards.

Common Questions Before Starting a Project

Business owners often want to know how long installations take, whether work can be scheduled outside operating hours, and what documentation is required for inspections or lease agreements.

How long does a lighting retrofit take?
A full LED retrofit for a small retail space typically takes one to two days depending on the number of fixtures, ceiling height, and whether new wiring or controls are being added. Work can be scheduled during off-hours to avoid disrupting business operations.
What does a tenant build-out include?
A tenant build-out includes running new circuits to support equipment, installing lighting and outlets per the floor plan, adding panels or subpanels if needed, and ensuring all work meets commercial code and passes inspection. Your electrician will coordinate with other trades and provide documentation for the landlord and permitting authority.
Why do some breakers trip only during startup?
Motors and compressors draw several times their running current during startup, and if the circuit is undersized or shared with other loads, the breaker will trip to prevent overheating. Your electrician will install a dedicated circuit sized for the inrush current or recommend a soft-start controller to reduce the peak draw.
What are smart electrical controls?
Smart controls allow you to turn lighting or equipment on and off remotely, set schedules, monitor energy use, and receive alerts if a circuit fails or a breaker trips. These systems are installed alongside your existing wiring and connect to your network so you can manage them from a phone or computer.
When is a service upgrade required for a commercial building?
A service upgrade is required when your total connected load exceeds the capacity of your existing panel, when you are adding equipment that draws more power than your service can supply, or when code requires a larger service for your occupancy type. The upgrade includes a new meter base, service conductors, and a panel rated for the increased load.

Arc Electric Inc works with business owners, property managers, and general contractors throughout Butte on projects ranging from single-circuit additions to full electrical build-outs for new tenants. If your building needs updated lighting, additional circuits, or a service upgrade to support new equipment, contact us to schedule a walkthrough and receive a detailed proposal that includes labor, materials, and estimated completion time.