Wiring Your Business for Scalability: Future Proofing Your Electrical Infrastructure
The smooth, uninterrupted functioning of your business operation relies significantly on an electrical system that can easily adapt to its growth. This means you need to wire your location for flexibility, making it easy to add new components and perform repairs without complications.
At J&S Electrical Contractors, our team of commercial electricians understand the significance of adaptable electrical systems in commercial environments. In this guide, we will share the leading industry best practices for implementing scalable electrical wiring.
Why Scalable Electrical Systems Matter
Scaling your business involves accommodating more employees, equipment, and power demands. Outdated or incorrect wiring not only limits your potential for growth but can also create safety risks. By adhering to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and designing a flexible electrical system, you can ensure that your current needs are met and your future needs can be easily accommodated.
Rough Wiring – Rough wiring serves as the foundational phase of electrical installation. It involves strategically placing wires, cables, and conduits to establish power and connections within a building. Unlike residential setups, commercial wiring utilizes conduits for enhanced wire protection. Conduits offer flexibility, enabling the simple addition of wires using fish tape and eliminating the need for wall and ceiling demolitions during modifications.
- Pro Tip: The National Electrical Code (NEC) establishes the maximum number of wires permitted in conduits of different sizes. To comply with electrical codes, ensure you use conduits of the right size, avoid overloading, and consider using larger conduits to allow for future circuit additions.
Outlets – Unlike their plastic residential counterparts, commercial outlet boxes are typically crafted from metal. While this material provides outstanding durability, a loose or improperly shielded wire can lead to a short circuit. This means extra care is required when connecting and shielding your outlets.
- Pro Tip: To future proof your outlet boxes, don’t cut your wires too short. By leaving a length of wire neatly bundled, you will be able to make modifications down the road.
Lighting – Planning for additional lighting allows for flexible workspaces that are easy to modify and repurpose. The secret to scaling your lighting solutions is to have the right number of electrical boxes in the right places. If your location has a drop ceiling, it may be simple to reach electrical boxes through removable tiles. But in areas with drywall ceilings, planning is key to ensuring easy access to conduits and electrical boxes without having to remove any ceiling material.
Extra Service – When preparing your location for scalability, it’s important to consider adding electrical services that create an optimized working environment. In addition to the essential wiring, these extra services can play a big role in enhancing the functionality of your workspace:
- Emergency backup systems: Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units and generators can prevent business interruptions during power outages.
- Security systems: A robust security setup protects assets and personnel, establishing a secure foundation for business expansion.
- Energy Audits: An energy consultation can identify eco-friendly and cost-saving opportunities, supporting scalability with your current infrastructure.
- Preventive maintenance packages: Hiring a professional maintenance service helps sustain system integrity and prevent unexpected outages.
Hire Licensed Commercial Electricians for Scalable Wiring Solutions
Ready to invest in wiring your business for scalability? At J&S Electrical Contractors, we can implement electrical systems that not only meet your immediate requirements but also provide substantial room for expansion. Our team of commercial electricians provide a comprehensive range of services, including rough wiring, outlets, lighting, and a variety of extra services. Let us help you create infrastructure that will become a solid foundation for the future of your business.
Prepare your business for continued success with the help of J&S Electrical Contractors. To set up a consultation, call 215-633-8330 or contact us online.