Setting up a business office can be complicated and overwhelming, particularly if someone has never done it before. One of the main tasks is proper electrical wiring. If you’re considering opening an office, here are some basic electrical tips and considerations, along with recommendations on when you may need to hire a licensed electrician handle this job.

Advantages of Hardwired Ethernet over Wi-Fi

Faster internet is a huge benefit of using a wired network. Additionally, hardwired Ethernet is also more dependable than a wireless network (Wi-Fi), as it provides a constant upload and download speed that isn’t hindered by the environmental obstacles that affect wireless devices.

Furthermore, hardwired Ethernet can be easier to use as there’s no need to scan or configure wireless networks or find a spot that has a strong Wi-Fi signal. Another benefit is that a wired network is more secure than Wi-Fi. In other words, you don’t have to worry about people hacking into a wireless network because a wired network is physically plugged into a cable to connect devices, making it harder for other internet users to invade them without permission.

Additional Lighting, Power Strips and Other Power Supplies

You’ll need more lighting than you would for a home. Also, your employees need to be able to have exceptionally clear vision for their work without affecting their comfort or the environment. While a 100 watt incandescent bulb provides more than enough light, it can be too harsh, which can interfere with comfort and productivity. In other words, harsh lighting is just as harmful as dim light, so you need to strike a balance between these extremes.

Office environments and work-spaces also typically need more power supplies, such as power strips, than what’s you’d expect in a typical home. How many depends on the amount of electrical equipment you have, such as computers, printers and other devices. Mapping this or creating a schematic in advance can streamline planning an organization, and help determine if you need an electrician before moving in to ad additional electrical outlets.

Cable Organization

Besides being hazardous, having tangled cables and wires can make it harder to be productive. Even worse, not organizing your cables can lead to people tripping and being injured. Another problem is not being able to match a device with its socket or risk of a devise or desktop computer becoming unplugged during use or software updates.

When organizing your cables, use inconspicuous surfaces as this helps in simplifying the appearance of cables. For example, use the undersides of tables or the back edges of desks. As cables and wires don’t have a “right-side up”, they can be easily hidden and slipped into abnormal positions.

In circumstances where wiring needs to be concealed or you have a lack of proper routing options, you should consult an electrician. Cost and complexity of re-routing wiring behind walls or in the ceiling depends completely on the building layout, but this is typically easier than one may expect. The benefits of a proper wire routing not reduce liability, but can also increase property values and office productivity.

Other Considerations and Warnings

  • Consider your electrical needs and requirements for rooms having visual presentation technology, such as slideshows, by consulting a qualified electrician.
  • If you need to cover a significant amount of floor space, a wired network is the best solution, rather than a wireless one. Even in optimal conditions, the fastest wireless network can only reach to up 250 feet, while a wired network is able to stretch as far as 330 feet.
  • Be sure your wall plates are labeled well and meet labeling standards.
  • Keep in mind that regardless of where you place your wall plates, people using them are likely to put desks, bookcases and other impediments in their way. Safe yourself future problems by coordinating with the person who manages office space-planning.
  • Run more cable than what you think you may need.
  • Don’t forget that computers, printers and other specialized office equipment often have higher power demands.
  • Electrical equipment for offices also requires components made of higher quality so that they provide more reliability.
  • Consider that your office will probably require more electrical power because of an increase in cooling capacity due to computers and electronics that generate heat. This is especially critical in the hot Las Vegas desert climate.
  • Always have a licensed electrician perform an inspection to minimize and avoid electrical hazards—Because you have a lot of electrical equipment, there is always a higher risk from related injury including burns, fires and shock.

Be sure your electrical equipment is safely installed by using a licensed electrician. Often, electrical accidents in workplaces are caused by defective equipment or unsafe installations. Electrical wiring is a job that should be left to professionals. In addition to damaging your equipment and putting your own self at risk, you could also be risking the safty of your employees.

As a full-service residential and commercial electrician, Penny Electric has a strong reputation for providing quality service and understanding the needs of commercial Las Vegas customers. Please contact us for more information or submit an online quote request to get started.