Adcock’s Systems LLC

Adcock’s Systems LLC has been serving the greater Washington, D.C., area with integrated electrical and fire safety services since 1998. Established by George Adcock, current owner, Adcock’s Systems provides niche services in fire protection as well as all facets of electrical contracting, including design, installation, service, infrared predictive maintenance, preventive maintenance and testing. With a staff of more than 100 experienced professionals, Adcock’s Systems operates from two locations in Waldorf and Lanham, Maryland.

“We serve as a one-stop shop for electrical contracting and fire protection,” says Ben Thompson, chief operating officer of Adcock’s Systems. “We deal directly with building owners and managers in the commercial fire protection market, and work for general and specialty contractors for electrical work. We self-perform about 90 percent of work through in-house resources, but we do work with some subcontractors for specific trades such as concrete and painting.”

Fire alarm services

While the company has built a name for a well-rounded set of electrical contracting capabilities, Adcock’s Systems is most known for fire protection services. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology in both the design process and in materials, the team stands ahead of the competition.

The design department includes a number of NICET Level III and IV certified professionals with expertise in fire alarms, fire suppression systems and fire sprinklers. The crew uses AutoCAD design software to design around proposed buildings and existing spaces. By creating in-depth plans for materials and installation, the company is able to troubleshoot potential problems before they arise.

The Adcock’s Systems team is well versed in fire code and has in-house capabilities that go beyond design and installation to include engineering, permitting, monitoring and testing among others. The company strives to build lasting relationships with clients that start at preconstruction and carry through installation and maintenance. Clients frequently call the company again when they change locations or need to upgrade their fire protection systems.

Electrical contracting services

The company’s propensity for building long-term relationships does not end with the fire suppression side of the operation. Adcock’s Systems provides a wide range of electrical contracting services that range from simple repairs to full new construction installations. With experience in the commercial and industrial sectors, capabilities include high voltage wiring and distribution, emergency backup power, lighting and dimming systems, HVAC control, service panel upgrades and 24-hour emergency service among others.

Adcock’s Systems has a strong portfolio of complex commercial and industrial electrical work. The crew has worked on multifamily, hospitality, commercial office projects and many others. The team excels in contracts that require complicated work and professional conduct.

For example, the crew recently completed a project at The Kenmore, a completely occupied condominium building in Washington, DC. “This was a challenging project, but it was also very rewarding,” says Thompson. “This was a complete modernization of the building’s HVAC system, so we work with the HVAC contractors doing all the related electrical work. There was also a high level of asbestos, which we knew was in there, but we had the general contractor working alongside us to mitigate that before we could work in certain areas. Logistically, it required a lot of organization and it turned out really well.”

Keeping up with a changing market

The company has been working on a number of other initiatives in the electrical side of the operation. “A big thing for safety is the arc flash studies we are involved with right now,” Thompson notes. “There are different people out there performing these services, but we do them all in-house. The biggest takeaway from this service is the safety awareness and we provide testing and labels for clients’ electrical equipment.”

Adcock’s Systems is also working with clients to help meet their upgrade needs. As attitudes about energy change, the market has moved more toward efficiency. “Right now everybody is switching over to LED lighting now that price point has come down,” says Thompson. “There are a lot of small changes building owners and managers can make to improve energy performance.”

Looking ahead, Thompson and his colleagues are looking forward to maintaining a strong dedication to serving the needs of customers. As buildings age and systems require maintenance and repair, owners and managers can count on Adcock’s Systems for the attention, care and safety that the company has built a reputation on for the last 17 years.

With a qualified team, leading technological resources and unmatched expertise, Adcock’s Systems LLC will continue to serve as a trusted partner to contractors and property managers throughout the greater Washington, D.C., area.