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There is a common temptation when managing facility projects or electrical installations — cut costs by going with the cheapest option available. It seems like a smart financial decision at the time. But what happens when that decision comes back to haunt you months or even years later?
At Corustar Technological Services, we recently carried out an inspection at a client’s facility and what we found was a sobering reminder of exactly why technical competence is not an area where corners should be cut.
During our inspection, we discovered that the UPS designated to supply the laboratory load was not connected to earth. Only two red cables — both serving as supply conductors — were identified at the unit, with no earth conductor present whatsoever. The cable arrangement did not conform to the applicable low voltage wiring code in any way.
To make matters worse, the distribution board showed signs of a burnt breaker, and there was no lightning protection system in place for a facility housing critical and sensitive equipment.
None of these were minor oversights. Each one represented a serious risk — to personnel safety, to expensive equipment, and to the continuity of operations.
The honest answer is: someone who was not qualified for the job was trusted with it.
This is more common than most facility managers would like to admit. Unqualified technicians are often hired because they offer lower rates, are more immediately available, or come through informal referrals without any verification of credentials. The work gets done — or appears to get done — and everyone moves on.
The problem is that substandard electrical work does not always fail immediately. It can sit quietly behind walls, inside panels, and beneath floors for months before it manifests as a fault, a fire, an equipment failure, or in the worst case, a fatality.
Let us put this into perspective using our recent project as an example.
The corrective works required to fix what an incompetent installer left behind included:
The combined cost of remediation ran into millions of naira.
Had the installation been done correctly from the outset, the client would have paid a fraction of that amount. Instead, they are now paying twice — once for the original (faulty) work, and again to have it corrected properly.
This does not account for the following additional risks that were present during the period the faults went undetected:
When engaging an electrician or electrical contractor for any project — whether it is a new installation, a maintenance job, or an upgrade — ask the following questions:
1. Are they certified and registered? In Nigeria, electrical contractors should be registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) or hold relevant industry certifications. Do not assume — ask to see documentation.
2. Do they follow the applicable wiring codes? Every installation must comply with the relevant low voltage wiring standards. A competent electrician will reference these codes as a matter of course, not as an afterthought.
3. Can they provide a documented inspection report? Professional contractors issue reports. If the person you are hiring cannot produce a written record of what was done and why, that is a red flag.
4. Do they carry insurance? Any reputable electrical contractor should carry professional indemnity and public liability insurance. If a fault occurs on their watch, you need to know you are covered.
5. Are they recommending the right materials? The use of substandard or incorrectly rated materials is one of the most common signs of an underqualified installer. Proper cable sizing, correct breaker ratings, and compliant earthing systems are not optional — they are the baseline.
A properly designed and installed electrical system does not just keep the lights on. It protects your people, your equipment, your data, and your business continuity. It ensures regulatory compliance and reduces your liability exposure. It gives you peace of mind.
The difference between a competent electrical contractor and an incompetent one is not always visible on day one. But it will always show up eventually — and by then, the cost of fixing it will far exceed what you would have paid to get it right the first time.
Do not wait for a fault to tell you that something is wrong. Commission a professional electrical inspection of your facility today. It is a small investment that could save you millions — and potentially, someone’s life.
At Corustar Technological Services, we provide full electrical inspection, installation, and remediation services in compliance with applicable standards. If you would like to know more or schedule an inspection, see our electrical safety audit and earthing and lightning protection services, request a quote, or call +234 816 976 9672.
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