Voltage drops are one of the most common electrical problems I see inside Tulsa warehouses. These buildings often rely on long electrical runs, heavy machinery, forklifts, conveyor systems, automated equipment, HVAC units, high bay lighting, and large motors. When voltage drops occur, equipment slows down, overheats, or shuts off completely, causing production delays and safety issues. I am Terry Davis, Master Electrician, and I have helped warehouse operators across Tulsa diagnose and correct voltage problems that were costing them time, productivity, and money.
If your warehouse lights flicker, equipment lags when starting, or breaker panels hum under load, voltage instability is likely the cause.
Why Voltage Drops Are So Common In Tulsa Warehouses
Long Feeder Runs Create Voltage Loss
Warehouses have long distances between the panel and equipment. Every foot of wire introduces resistance. When the runs stretch hundreds of feet, the voltage at the equipment end can drop significantly, especially under heavy load.
Large Motors Demand High Startup Current
Forklifts, compressors, air handlers, conveyor motors, and pumps require high amounts of current to start. When these motors cycle on, they pull voltage down temporarily, especially on circuits with marginal wiring or weak breakers.
Undersized Wiring In Older Tulsa Warehouses
Many warehouses built decades ago were not designed for today’s automated machinery. I often find wiring that is smaller than modern equipment requires. This causes overheating, voltage drop, and slow equipment performance.
Overloaded Panels And Branch Circuits
Warehouses frequently expand operations without upgrading electrical infrastructure. More equipment gets added, and before long, circuits become overloaded. When that happens, voltage drops across the entire system.
Heat And Dust Build Up
Tulsa warehouses get hot during the summer. High heat plus dust accumulation around panels and equipment increases electrical resistance. That added resistance worsens voltage drop.
Warning Signs That Voltage Drop Is Happening
Dim Or Flickering High Bay Lights
If your high bay lights dim when equipment starts, your voltage is unstable.
Equipment Slowing Down Or Struggling To Start
Motors that hesitate or make low humming noises are dealing with insufficient voltage.
Breakers Tripping When Machines Start Up
Startup current spikes often reveal weak circuits or long wire runs.
Conveyor Belts Stuttering
This is one of the most common complaints I get from Tulsa warehouse operators.
Overheated Wiring
Or Panels
Voltage drop forces equipment to pull more current, which increases heat.
Network Equipment Randomly Rebooting
Voltage instability affects more than heavy equipment. IT racks and WiFi systems often reboot or malfunction during drop events.
The Hidden Risks Of Ignoring Voltage Drops
Equipment Damage
Motors that run on low voltage overheat, wear out faster, and eventually burn out.
Production Slowdowns
Every time a conveyor stutters or a forklift charger resets, productivity is lost.
Fire Hazards
Low voltage forces circuits to draw higher current, pushing wiring beyond safe limits.
Increased Energy Costs
Equipment running inefficiently uses more electricity to compensate for voltage loss.
How I Fix Voltage Drops In Tulsa Warehouses
Step One: Measure Voltage Under Load
I use specialized equipment to test voltage at:
• panels
• subpanels
• junction points
• equipment termination points
This identifies exactly where the drop occurs and how severe it is.
Step Two: Inspect Wiring For Size And Condition
I check the wire gauge to ensure it meets modern load requirements. I also look for:
• corrosion
• insulation damage
• loose connections
• splices creating resistance
Step Three: Evaluate Panel Load Capacity
If the panel is overloaded or outdated, it cannot maintain stable voltage when equipment starts. I check breaker performance, bus bar condition, and total ampacity.
Step Four: Recommend Circuit Upgrades
Depending on the issue, I may:
• run new circuits with properly sized wiring
• install dedicated circuits for large equipment
• add subpanels closer to load centers
• reduce load on long runs
• replace weak or overheating breakers
Step Five: Improve Electrical Distribution
In many cases, redistributing equipment across multiple circuits stabilizes voltage without major construction.
Step Six: Clean And Improve Ventilation
Dust and heat increase electrical resistance. Cleaning panels, improving airflow, and reducing heat exposure make warehouse power more stable.
Why Tulsa Warehouse Voltage Problems Should Be Resolved Quickly
Voltage drops do not fix themselves. They get worse over time. Every day you wait increases risk to equipment, workers, and productivity. The sooner the issue is addressed, the cheaper and easier it is to correct.
A stable electrical system keeps your warehouse running at full efficiency. Ignoring voltage problems creates bottlenecks and exposes your business to costly shutdowns.
If Your Tulsa Warehouse Is Experiencing Voltage Drops, I Can Help
I’ve helped warehouses all across Tulsa resolve voltage problems affecting forklifts, conveyors, compressors, HVAC systems, and IT equipment. Whether you need better wiring, a panel upgrade, new circuits, or a distribution redesign, I can diagnose the root cause and restore stable power.
Your warehouse depends on consistent voltage. I can help keep your operation moving.