Electrical planning procedures for an improved business environment

Whoever coined the phrase "The devil's in the detail" must have been in the thick of electrical planning. Indeed, wiring a new or existing office presents a minefield for the uninitiated, with several complex technologies to juggle.

However, with some clever and careful electrical planning, you can achieve a streamlined, functional office with everything in its place.

Call in the professionals

Electrical work is a highly specialised trade, so don't waste time trying to figure things out for yourself. Engage an electrician at the very start of the process to avoid a dysfunctional mess down the track.

"Often builders will ask where you want your power points and lights and that's where the conversation ends," says Malcolm Richards, CEO of Master Electricians.

"The key thing is to talk to an electrician at the same time, because only an electrician knows the new technologies and the implications of putting them together."

Put your eggs in one basket

You'll save a lot of time and money if you engage one contractor to install all three components (electrical, phone and data) of your office fit-out at the same time.

"If you just do the basics at the start, and then do more a few months down the track, you'll end up paying a lot more money," Malcolm warns. "This is because the second contractor may have to undo some work and redo other work, and by that time you may also have staff already working in the building."

Retrofit factor

If you're rewiring an existing office, bear in mind that it may be a more complex, and therefore more costly, job than an installation from scratch. Remember that you'll have to work around your existing layout and that means compromise.

"You can avoid problems by sticking to the existing locations of power points and reusing wires," Malcolm says.

"Also, be prepared to alter your design to suit the ideal wiring. For instance, you might need to keep part of a wall in place if it means incorporating new technology that will benefit your business."

Allow yourself time

There's no golden rule for how long an electrical installation should take, but the more time you devote to your electrical planning, the better the results.

"Allow enough time so the electrician can access the best materials at the best price," says Malcolm. "You may also want to change your mind as things progress, but if you come in at the 11th hour, you'll struggle to figure out what you want and where to place things."

Things to remember:

• For best results, get your electrician involved in the planning and design stages
• Have an idea about the equipment and systems you need and where to position them
• For a streamlined job, get all your wiring done by the same contractor
• Save money during a retrofit by reusing existing infrastructure
• Allow plenty of time – you'll have more flexibility to change your mind

Get started

With enough time and the right advice from a licensed electrician, your office electrical planning will result in a well-planned and functional space.

Call an electrical contractor today to help kick-start your electrical planning process.